Her book is a children's book, that traces a young fish that eventually becomes part of the impressive and scientifically important group of

fossils discovered at Canowindra.

Around a hundred people turned up to the launch.

The book is meant to educate as well as entertain young readers.

The launch was held at the Age of Fishes Museum, where Mrs Loomes volunteers.

The book was originally put together to be a part of the museum's teaching facilities, and only one book was made.

"People were saying I'd like to buy it, and I'd say to them, 'you can't. It's the only one'."

"I could see our one copy walking out the front door," Mrs Loomes said.

She said the idea for the book and the story was floating around in her head for months "then suddenly I thought ‘I can write that down'."

But "this is something I never thought would happen".

"This book has come about with lots of people's input," Mrs Loomes said.

It was launched by palaeontologist and author Dr John Long, who has previously written childrens book with scientific backgrounds.

"Most kids grow up being into dinosaurs. It's as if dinosaurs are their first introduction to the world of science," said Dr Long.

"Before that it's all things that are not real," such as witches and fairies.

He said that books such as this can have a good effect on children.

"If we get more children into the Devonian, they'll understand evolution much better," said Dr Long.

The Devonian period is the evolutionary period that Mrs Loomes book is set in. In this time peiod many of the major evolutionary changes, notably the first fish being able to survive on land, happened.

"It's important to have it. It's the second children's book on the Devonian period, and I think there should be a dozen more," said Dr Long.

Long Ago but Not Far Away also features twelve full page illustrations, that came out of paintings that were done by three local artists, Bron Reed, Tony Dagg and Christine Lanham.

The three did the paintings over the course of a week, working from diagrams.

"That was no mean task. If I asked any of you could draw a cat, but do you know what a three hundred and sixty million year old fish looks like?" Mrs Loomes asked the gathering.

The paintings are now hanging in the museum, where Mrs Looms' book will be sold.