BUNYIP MAYHEM TOUR - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2015

Wow! This is the latest release now with the printer and due to be out in September.
The story set in rural Victoria near Ararat features young Billy who is a student at a little country school.  He discovers more than he could possibly dream of when researching the history of his family farm while shearing is in progress.
Into the mix comes Levi, an urban aboriginal boy with attitude. With the help of his grandfather and Billy Levi learns how to fit into a country school. 
This story has been flagged as a "reconciliation classic" by Koori educator Sue Barclay of the Palawa people.
This chapter book for advanced readers will really get you thinking about whether bunyips did exist.
Helen Leach has again performed her artistic magic bringing the characters to life with her black and white drawings.
The book also touches on the early settlement of the area in the 1830s and brings the past firmly into the present through the links of the Koori people with white settlers.
WILBERFORCE THE WOMBAT
And there's more - now meet Wilberforce  - a rather short-sighted wombat with attitude!

This slap stick character was introduced to me by my Uncle Tot who managed to pitch his tent over a wombat trail when camping in the high country with my cousins.
A wombat bounced off his tent several times before Uncle Tot finally got the message and moved his tent.
So Wilberforce was born and went on to create mayhem as he made his way to a grassy paddock to enjoy a feed with his wombat mates.
Before this story headed to the printer children in country schools enjoyed hearing of his mishaps and gave Wilber the 'thumbs up' with much laughter.
This is number 3 in the "Tiny Ant" series of stories perfect for the pre-school to year one children.
Helen had quite a challenge to illustrate Wilberforce stumbling his way through the book.  Here are some gems for you to enjoy and a photo of Helen's daughter Jenny wearing the glasses Wilber was kindly given to help him out. Classic!

I leave Wonboyn Lake for Victoria on the 24th of August with my first school at Newmerella on the 25th, then Thorpdale on the 26th, a book signing at Bunyip Newsagency on the 27th and the Bunyip Primary School in the afternoon.  On Saturday the 29th I'm at Valley Books with Joan and Geoff then Verney Special School in Shepparton on September 1st, Katandra West combined with Invergordon Primaries on the 2nd then Numurkah Newsagency with Andrea on Saturday the 5th, Eaglehawk Post Office with Adina on the 9th, Red Rock Books in Horsham with Marion on the 11th, and the Gifted Wombat in Stawell with Raie on the 12th.  The books are launched at THE ARARAT VISITORS CENTRE  on Monday the 14th at 4-5pm by the wonderful Ararat Mayor Paul Hooper.  This promises to be quite an event with a mini exhibition of Helen's illustrations as well.  Come along and get your book signed and inscribed!

I will also be at Ararat Primary on the 14th, then Moyston Primary on the 15th, Trawalla on the 16th, Slades Newsagency with Chris on the 17th, Blanes Newsagency in Colac on the 18th, Cobden Newsagency on the 19th and my last event is at Kates Castle in Maryborough for a children's activity day from 11am - 3pm.  Along the way l will stock up all my stores and catch up with plenty of Little Ant fans - many are waiting for this chapter book and wondering what next year will bring.

 

Watch this space for some special pictures taken while on tour!