IT'S a question that can drive parents mad — and coming up to the holiday season, they are likely to hear it more and more.
"Are we there yet?" is often heard in cars, trains, buses and other forms of transport when children's patience gets tried by the time it takes to get from place to place.
The parental angst is shared by children's author Alison Lester, and is being addressed in a colourful way in an exhibition at Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
The museum and gallery itself has a newly appointed history and cultural services co-ordinator Beth Leyshon.
The exhibition, curated by Books Illustrated, is based on Lester's award-winning picture book Are We There Yet?
The book and exhibition features a journey around Australia.
The display contains Lester's original illustrations along with preliminary work, notes of ideas and sketches, her children's travel journals and family photographs, illustration and design drafts, to the final published book — including a number of developmental drawings.
It tells the story of her family's journey around Australia in a camper van.
It's the tale of the country and the countryside, the European settlements, and the special places of the first Australians.
Lester grew up on a farm overlooking the sea and first rode a horse as a baby in her father's arms. She still lives in the country and rides her horse, Woollyfoot.
In her books she mixes imaginary worlds with everyday life, encouraging children to believe in themselves and celebrate the differences that make them special.
She spends part of every year travelling to schools in remote areas, using her books to help children and adults write and draw about their own lives.
She was Australia's inaugural children's laureate from 2011 to 2013.
Hurstville Museum and Gallery opened in 2004 and is maintained by Hurstville Council as the only regional museum and gallery in the St George district.
The space is accessible for people with a disability and admission is free.
Are We There Yet? is at Hurstville Museum and Gallery, 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville, until December 13.
