Synopsis coming soon.......

The inspiration for this novel, I believe, has come from the never-ending interest in our kangaroos and saltwater crocodiles from people near and far. These two appear to attract more interest than most of our other animals. I heard on the radio that there was a need for more childrens books. This story reflects some of my loves: animals, the challenges of life, boiled fruit cake, the outback, and the interaction that can be achieved between animals and humans.

In this, the only up-to-date accessible and scientifically based book on Australia's principal icon, internationally known kangaroo researcher Terry Dawson gets to the heart of what makes these animals special. He shows how many features of their biology, such as their reproductive patterns, social structure and locomotor characteristics, confer great advantages in their adaptations to Australia's harsh climate and demanding environment. Besides covering widely the biology, ecology and behaviour of the ten different types of kangaroos, Professor Dawson compares European and Aboriginal cultural attitudes towards them. He explores such issues as hunting habits, conservation, kangaroos as agricultural pests, the economics of kangaroo ranching and the use of their products.

Ben and Bella are having such a lovely, splashy time in the big red bath that soon everyone wants to join in the fun! But will there be room for all the animals . . . even Hippopotamus? A riotous story, brought to life by young, bright, friendly illustrations from a bestselling, award-winning artist.

Kangaroos donÕt run. They hop! Discover what else these animals do in the desert.

Mary, on her voyage to Australia in 1842, solves a complex murder on board ship. She does this with support from her best friend Younee who just happens to be a fl eet footed gremlin who communicates with Mary, telepathically. Their son Stanley, a gremlin, is born on the ship. Well not really her son genetically but adoption is a wonderful thing. (Book 1)Th e ship's captain lauds her abilities to the constabulary in Sydney who now regularly ask her to solve murders the constabulary are unable to, or in some cases unwilling to solve. Audrey seeks Mary's expert skills to solve her father's murder. Th eir journey has them fi nding three killers paid to extract information about a gold find thus sending them to the goldfields to solve his murder. In their quest they are supported by Annie, a witch, though she says she doesn't talk to ghosts they talk to her. (Apparently in Annie's mind there is a diff erence.) On the way to fi nd the gold they gather an entourage of killers, would be killers and men desperate to find gold to make their own troubles go away. As it must never be divulged that gremlins exist, Younee and Stanley fi nd remarkable ways to avoid their own detection whilst keeping Mary and Audrey safe.