When Roie was a baby, and her dad Joshua Vogel would take her for walks, they discovered the enigmatic Mr Shnorfloo – well that was the name Joshua made up for the sculpture.
Roie would also visit her favourite sculpture with her grandmother Kaija Talviharju, who was then inspired to write the story of Mr Shnorfloo, which was then illustrated by Roie’s dad. When the sculpture moved from the Brunswick Valley Museum and Historical Society grounds to Heritage Park they discovered it was named The Biggest Little Bunyip and made by local artist Peter Neilson.
‘Baby Roie and I would often visit the Biggest Little Bunyip together and talk about him. He seemed to embody a quiet strength. He was formidable and commanding, but also quiet and gentle, which Roie seemed to like,’ Kaija told The Echo.
‘When Roie turned one Josh drew her some of her favourite things, and alongside the chook and the powerpole was Mr Shnorfloo, as he had come to be known. I think the Biggest Little Bunyip then decided to channel their story to me. His character knew what he wanted to do, and laid himself on the page, ready for Josh’s beautiful images.’
If you are interested in picking up a copy of this limited edition children’s story, you can contact Kiah at [email protected].
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
