BROUGHT to life by a figment of her imagination, A Wombat, An Emu and Red Kangaroo (and a feast by a painted didgeridoo) is Woolgoolga author and poet Barbara Gilkes's first children's book.

The local writer penned the book with the purpose of creating a story that encompasses "all things Australia".

"This would be a book for the whole of Australia," Ms Gilkes said.

"It features the animals here, it features Boy, who could be anyone.

"People can take it how they like it, it really could encompass the whole of Australia."

Set in outback Australia, the story chronicles the adventure of Boy, who is gathering food for a feast. He lures a wombat, an emu and a red kangaroo. A wandering magpie later discovers Boy's plan.

Ms Gilkes says people have asked if she was of indigenous Australian descent with the plot striking similarities to Dreamtime stories.

The book is a local collaboration with illustrations by Karen Thio, a former Lillipilli Art Competition winner.

The book will launch at Woolgoolga Public School on Thursday July 21.