When I Was Twelve
Release: 11 November, 2023
Would his father ever come home?
The true story of an entire childhood lived under the shadow of war.
Born in 1933, Nick Hutchins was just six years old when his father left for the Second World War.
By the time the war ended, he was twelve years old and almost a man.
At 90 years of age, Nick remembers his wartime childhood in vivid detail, like it was yesterday, and reflects on the impact of growing up without his father.
Nick’s father, Lt. Col. CDM Hutchins, known as Tim, was left behind during the evacuation of Dunkirk, was captured and became a prisoner-of-war in Germany. Now for the first time we can hear his voice through gripping, first-hand excerpts from his POW diary.
Bursting with action, adventure, fear and laughter, When I was Twelve is a story of hanging onto hope in dark times.
‘When I Was Twelve is a truly immersive listen, told through rich voices. The tales of such challenging times bring home how resilient the human spirit can be. Simply beautiful.’
– Simon Kennedy, comedian and author of 9/11 and the Art of Happiness
‘A story of longing and hope in a time of war, rich with details to captivate a child.’
– Debra Tidball, award-winning children’s author of Anchored and The Scared Book.
‘Adults and children alike will gain so much from this moving story of a little boy called on to become the ‘man of the house’ while his father fights on the frontlines. When I Was Twelve will help those of us who’ve never seen war to develop the quality the war generations had—resilience. ‘
– Sheridan Voysey, author of Resilient and The Making of Us.
When I Was Twelve can be purchased from Google Play, iTunes, Spotify, Barnes & Noble, Audiobooks.com and most audiobook retailers, excepting Audible.
Lily’s Balloon
When Lily finds a beautiful, big, shiny balloon she wants to keep it forever…
But what if somebody else needs it more?
Lilly’s Balloon is a gentle, hopeful story about disappointment, loss and learning to let go. Three young lives are connected through one balloon, which touches them in different ways.
‘Lily’s Balloon would be my idea of the perfect bedtime story… I just want to hug every character in this book! It feels like a snuggle up with your kid and doona kinda book!’
Nat Amoore, One More Page podcast
ISBN: 978-1925563399
Gemma gets the Jitters
Gemma has a new camera!
She is visiting the mountains and wants to get the perfect photo. But at the top of the lookout, Gemma gets the jitters.
Will she let her fear of heights stop her from achieving her dream?
Join Gemma, Marty and their friends as they help Gemma overcome her jitters.
With notes for parents and carers by child psychologist Collett Smart, Gemma gets the Jitters teaches children that they can overcome their fears.
‘Gemma gets the jitters is a fun book with sound advice for any family dealing with early anxiety issues. I recommend it – and so do my kids!’
Dr Justin Coulson, Author of 9 Ways to a Resilient Child.
Finalist, Caleb Prize and a recommended title in the Family Therapists Awards for Children’s Literature.
Same
Uncle Charlie whirred through the front door. Ivy ran into her bedroom and hid. She was a bit scared of Uncle Charlie.
When Uncle Charlie comes to visit, Ivy keeps her distance. He seems different from other people she knows. Can Uncle Charlie find a way to show her that he is not so different after all?
Same is a touching true story about love, acceptance and finding common ground.
Same was a finalist in the Caleb Prize.
‘SAME is a heartfelt and powerful book which makes important themes – bravery, compassion, acceptance – accessible to young readers.’
Jack Heath, Author of The Cut Out and Countdown to Danger.
Emily Eases Her Wheezes
***NOTABLE BOOK, 2015 CBCA EVE POWNALL AWARD***
Emily was full of energy. She whizzed to the park on her scooter, she leapt and twirled like a ballerina and she bounced on her trampoline for hours. But sometimes, when her asthma got bad, Emily was not allowed to be active.
How can Emily improve her asthma and find an outlet for her energy? Emily Eases Her Wheezes teaches children the common triggers for asthma, reminds them to listen to their body and emphasises the importance of keeping physically active.
Listed as ‘Notable Book’ in the 2015 CBCA Awards.
Marty’s Nut-Free Party
Marty loved to party. At every party, Marty was the first to arrive and the last to leave. That was before Marty found out that peanuts make him sick. Really sick.
Parties aren’t so much fun for Marty now that he keeps ending up in hospital. How can Marty and his friends make their parties safe and fun for everybody?
With gorgeous illustrations by Leigh Hedstrom and Notes for Parents and Carers by Dr Elizabeth Pickford from RPA Allergy clinic, Marty’s Nut-Free Party teaches allergic children, their friends and families how to take good care of them, especially at party-time.
Shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year and the Caleb Prize.
ISBN: 978-1-921633-36-2