Lost and Found

Growing up we all feel overwhelmed, even suffocated by our thoughts and worries of everything new and scary to us. We have heads full of questions that bleed into our chests with the strain of never getting an answer.

But what if they were to be answered? What if there was a way to the ending everyone around you says you will find eventually? If someone could tell you these things, would you listen? Would you go with them on their journeys and struggles for some small hope of validation? Or even just a glimpse of something new, if so then read on.

Follow that curiosity, let these characters show you their paths and how they stumbled upon them, and see how even they, with so much life behind them, have no idea where it will lead them. Here you may find something familiar, something comforting, or even something you’ve been burying deep down for a while now. Or you may find nothing at all because you’re a perfectly stable and put-together human being and always have been, who will simply enjoy these little stories.

Lost Soul: A Child's Perspective

How could an astute 11-year-old child called Susie manage to pull off the impossible by escaping from the grips of her abusive and dominant father? She knew in her mind that there would have to be a trade-off which she would have had to come to terms with, and possibly regret for the rest of her life.

Finding herself thrust into the care of the local authority, she is taken aback and shaken to the core by the contrast in the family that she has left behind and the new ‘family’ that she has now inherited.

She finds herself in a ‘no-man’s land,’ where she can either wait and see where life takes her, or admit defeat and return home to her abusive and dominating father, who she feels will have the upper hand over her, not only physically, but also psychologically.

Susie’s resolve is stronger than it has ever been, and although she is faced with feelings of despair and helplessness of being let down by the system that she thought was supposed to be there to protect her when she needed it most, she pushes through into what seems to be an uncertain future. She has a steely determination to face life head on, and is resolute in her mind to keep on going, pushing forwards to see where life takes her.

Love You, Love Me

‘Love you, love me,’ she grinned, ‘Jess, remember to have your head in the stars and your feet firmly on the ground.’

‘And dance in the rain.’

Jess, Crystal and Sophie had been friends since primary school but becoming a teenager brings its own challenges as the girls soon discover. At an age when life offers more opportunities and with it self-doubt and insecurities, Jess and her friends navigate the school social, an out-of-control party, underage drinking and family dynamics whilst trying to make sense of growing up. Throw in Steve, the mysterious charismatic new student that sells drugs that cure headaches, Vincent, the perfect date and Jake, a persistently annoying guy, and life becomes more interesting.

Will they individually find the courage to ask for help as they deal with bothersome boys, self-harm, anxiety, confusion and overwhelming conditions? Or will they together discover through friendship, family and first love that no one is perfect?

Mangrove Sands, the Enchanted Seaworld and Beyond

This book is a sequel to Mangrove Sands. It aims to inspire and educate children who, either by fate or disability, have difficult starts in life. Each chapter provides a human life lesson including; learning about other cultures, taking responsibility, how to handle bullies, encouraging goals, environmental awareness, friendship, and human qualities.

Based on an island in South East Queensland, Australia, four children who have difficult starts in life are chosen by Parlow the pelican to experience a better life in the Enchanted Sea World. A magical ingot and tunnel is the only way into this magical world beneath mangrove sands where the children are mentored by Dugong tutors and experience many exciting adventures with their talking animal friends.

In this series, the adventures continue when the children learn about a new culture after meeting a 10-year-old Aboriginal girl, Wanjee, who is chosen to join them in the Enchanted Sea World away from her horrid alcoholic foster parents. The children learn of a new language, symbolic art, dreamtime stories and bush medicine.

Amidst playing didgeridoos, throwing boomerangs, flying on swings attached to whistling kites, the children escape bushfires and meet Toddalick, a giant green healing frog who takes the children on the ride of their lives to help stop an environmental disaster.

Mangrove Sands, the Enchanted Seaworld and Beyond is full of enchanting adventures, life lessons and magical moments. It aims to provide hope, inspiration, respect and education of other cultures to children around the globe.

Maxwell Black

Maxwell has mere hours to reveal the murder of a high-profile case. Trapped in space with five others in a secure holding cell, he must reveal all. Using his cunning, he enlists the help of a stranger in recording his findings and hopes just one other person will know the truth. A murderer resides in this small room. However, each and every suspect has secrets. Will they tell the truth or will they protect their reputation?

Mockingbird

“Don’t you remember me?” a little boy said as he drew his last breath.

In a fantasy world where myths are not believed anymore. A tale of the ghosts that would flood the world one day in a prophecy. The journey of a bunch of young lads as the world they once knew start to change.

Yuricel Harte, a mysterious new student at the saint’s academy, embarks on a mission to fulfil his dreams, running away from his past, and making new friends along the way. Yuri had planned everything in his life, but he did not intend to fall in love with Violet, the woman with no heart.

He meets Théo, the brave young Lord of Weston, and his friends. The hard choices Théo has to make as a leader, a heavy burden left for him.

What were the events that led up to that little boy’s death?

Betrayal, bravery, and a prophecy amongst them all.

On the Level

Have you ever wanted to be an intrepid space explorer?

Have you ever wondered what life on another planet would be like?

Well look no further, as this story takes you from the sunny seaside town of Brighton to a whole other world filled with advanced technology and exciting adventures. Jonny and his cousin Baz are plunged into a thrilling race against time set in a faraway galaxy where they meet the planets inhabitants’ and try to save their world from impending disaster.

It is fast-paced, set in jaw-dropping surroundings, and filled with courageous characters all set for a thrill-seeking ride of a lifetime. Take their hands and be ready for a fearless and daring journey full of unexpected twists and turns that is sure to make your head spin and your senses quiver with excitement.

Return to Umbadinga

When Angus McCawtup High School is threatened with closure due to earthquake damage, two pupils come up with a bizarre idea that they present to the headmaster. For Professor Russell Sprout the thought of losing his beloved school and having to spend time with his wacky wife was all too much. As far as he was concerned, any idea was a good idea. The boys put it to the professor that they return to Umbadinga to look for precious stones to raise money for earthquake repairs. Reluctantly, Professor Sprout agreed, but he made one condition, that Miss Van Hyre and Mr Fields go with them as responsible adults. Now there's an oxymoron if ever there was one!

Can they get back through the subterranean portal, especially as they don't know how they got through in the first place? What could possibly go wrong? You'll have to join the adventure and find out first hand...if you dare!

Riddlington

This story begins with Riddlington Rabbit wanting to see other things happening in a world outside the safe boundaries of his insular existence. As a rabbit, his life is spent, primarily, underground during the day, only coming out at night, under the protection of darkness, to find food.

His favourite Uncle Otto sparks Riddlington’s imagination of exploring, by telling stories of his own adventures. We follow Riddlington as he navigates his way to finding a perfect location, among people and other strange creatures, all living above ground.

We see how he adapts to situations outside his comfort zone; finds a wife who is willing to do likewise; befriends two human sisters; till the land rather than forage; navigate his way up a river; and become disturbed at land damage, urban development, and over population.

When he becomes a Father and witnesses an invasion of his territory, his new-found parental status, requires a reassessment of their living arrangements. They have little food, little protection, and little time.

Will they make it home? Will they be happy home? Will they be welcomed home? Will the youngsters adapt to underground living as Riddlington did to above ground living?

Tales of the Turnip Knight

“A hero is not measured by the strength of his sword, but by the strength of his justice.” 

When 8-year-old Derek first heard the story of the Turnip Knight he was obsessed. Now he trains every day to be strong enough to one day become a Turnip Knight. But everyone around him tells him it isn't real! Strange things begin to happen around Derek and Doko Village. Perhaps the truth is not something anyone expected. 

Follow Derek and his friend, Pippie Lip, as they embark on a journey of discovery and friendship. Everyone's adventure should start small, and with Derek being small himself, this first adventure is the perfect size for him. Magic, warriors, monsters and mischief await in Tales of the Turnip Knight.

The Agarthians

Prepare to be captivated by a thought-provoking journey that challenges our perceptions and confronts the consequences of our actions. In this gripping tale, we are reminded that despite our existence being a mere blip in the vastness of the universe, our theories of evolution have perpetuated the notion of human superiority. Yet, within the pages of this remarkable story, we are compelled to acknowledge the grave consequences of our limited imagination.

Set nearly two centuries into the future, humanity is about to face a harsh awakening. It becomes painfully clear that every action we have taken, whether virtuous or wicked, carries a weight that cannot be escaped. The repercussions, whether inflicted by our fellow humans or something beyond our wildest imaginations, loom ominously. The time for regrets has passed, and the opportunity to sow goodness has slipped through our fingers. Now, we must confront the inescapable consequences of our wilful ignorance—a reckoning we can no longer evade.

Within this cautionary tale, the signs of our impending fate have been apparent all along, staring us in the face, yet we have chosen to turn a blind eye. The price for our negligence is now due, and the bill will be paid in full by every member of our species.

The Forest of Tūkino

The Forest of Tūkino follows the stories of four different creatures who are each experiencing a different aspect of domestic violence. This story is told in a way which evokes emotion, so that readers can understand what it can feel like to be stuck in a cycle of abuse.

Providing insight to some and hope for others, The Forest of Tūkino takes readers on a journey into the darkness and back out into the light again.