My books
Mad Dad for Sale
ISBN 978-1-921369-27-9, Horizon Publishing Group
Due for release April/May 2011
Luke McAlister has had enough. He’s always in trouble. But what can a kid do about a dad who’s always getting mad? Luke is running out of ideas until his best friend Alex suggests a For Sale ad in the local paper.
The crazy plan works, a mysterious buyer whisks cranky Dad away in a van and Luke is $500 richer. He thinks his troubles are over. Instead, they’ve just begun. When Luke decides to get his dad back he must outwit a terrible foe to save himself, his family and his friends.
For information about this quirky novel for eight to 12-year-olds, visit www.horizonpg.net.
Jessica’s Dazzling Do-a-thon
ISBN 978-0-9806695-2-7, Therapy Focus Inc.
Jessica has always wanted to fit in with other kids but she feels more of an outsider than ever at her new school until she befriends a small group of students who are also “different”. When the school plans a fundraising event, Jessica comes up with a wonderful way for everyone to contribute.
I had a lot of fun writing this “inclusion” story in collaboration with not-for-profit organisation Therapy Focus. It has great pictures created by WA primary school students and is a flip book: Turn it upside down for the story Sunny the Sunflower’s Journey by Bevan McGuiness.
To buy a copy of the book and help improve the quality of life for children with a disability or learning disadvantage, visit www.therapyfocus.org.au
Jimbo! Don't Go!
ISBN 978 0 646 49537 8
This 21st century version of the popular cautionary tale about a little elephant who forgets his mother’s warning not to go with strangers is now available to a new generation of children. Entertaining illustrations by Veronica Rooke give the revised text an extra dimension for young readers.
The book is a 16-page paperback with glossy wipe-clean cover.
Order online from www.pojokids.com and www.firsteditionbooks.com.au.
Big Nanna, Little Nanna
(Plantagenet Press 1995, ISBN 1-87594-901-1)
Anna has two grandmothers who are not at all alike. Big Nanna, from Italy, is like the earth and Little Nanna, from England, is like a bubbling brook. They do have something in common – both left their homes and families to make a new life in a new country, and Anna is part of both families.
Out of print. Available from libraries.
Grandpa Goes to Mars
(Plantagenet Press 1995, ISBN 0-646-22708-4)
Grandpa Green wants to be an astronaut. He leaves his farm in Australia and goes to the United States, but NASA refuses to take him into the training scheme. His peaceful demonstration catches the mass imagination and eventually the president intervenes. Grandpa puts the young recruits to shame and becomes the first man to land on mars. Now NASA wants to know the secret of his vitality…
Out of print. Available from libraries.
Getting Rid of Wrinkles
(Blake Education 2006, ISBN 1-74164-052-0)
Tessa's Great Grandma Em has more wrinkles than a rhinoceros after rain. She hasn't seen her best friend Amelia, who was the town beauty, for 50 years. Now Amelia is coming to visit and Great Gran has just ten days to get rid of her wrinkles. Tessa thinks she can help…
Stranger Danger: You Don’t Know Me?
(Darelle Publications 1981, GP Publications 1982)
Jumbo Jim’s mum has told him never to go with strangers but it’s a wintry day and Tiger Tim will soon have him home and dry. Besides, Tim’s no stranger, he’s Mum’s friend – or is he? Young Jim isn’t sure if he’s seen Tiger Tim before - but the chocolate bar he’s offering is sweet temptation. Luckily for Jimbo, Tiger Tim is no match for an angry elephant mum who has come along the jungle path with an umbrella and raincoat to meet her son after school.
Out of print. Look out for a bright new 21st century version of this lively tale.