Journal notes

Over the years, I’ve collected a few animal stories that I planned to do something with one day. Then one morning I woke up with the idea of putting them altogether in one book. I was so excited I sent two publishers the proposal and Scholastic’s publishing manager Lynette Evans came back several days later with a YES! An Agreement was sent that afternoon and signed and sent back that evening.

The New Zealand stories were easy to write, I whipped through them first. When I was ready to find Australian stories, wildlife centres were in the midst of terrible wildfires. They were too busy saving their precious animals. But I persevered, finding delightful stories from all over Australia.

My goal was to find a wide mix of animals. As well as the much-loved native animals I wanted quirky farm animal and pet stories as well. I fell in love with Pebbles the cuddly wombat; Lulu the homesick kangaroo; Gus the dog-cat; and Einstein the attention-seeking camel and others from Australia. From New Zealand I adored Nigel, the love-sick gannet; Rob, the unlucky in love Albatross; Tumbles the caring Takahē, and Henry the grumpy tuatara and others. I’m sure you’ll fall for them, too.