BOOK 9 - MAGNIFICENT MATILDA'S MYSTERY TOUR

The book is inspired by the marvellous Island called Bribie in SE Queensland.  Rather a unique place and the only sand island where there is a bridge from the mainland.

Bribie: This unique regional landscape supports high value individual flora and fauna species and communities, many of which are listed on national and state registers. Examples of these special species and ecosystems include wetland melaleuca forest. Bribie Island is located within the Moreton Bay Marine Park, an identified priority coastal hotspot and Ramsar wetland area.

MORAL OF THE STORY:

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."

St Augustine

Magnificent Matilda takes a Mystery Tour around Bribie Island with her new friend DJ.

She takes 'a bird's eye view' tour of the island courtesy of DJ, a yellow kite and a strong wind.

Take this tour with her and hear about the historical landmarks of the Island and of some famous people from the past including Ian Fairweather the Artist and Matthew Flinders the explorer.

BOOK 4 - RAFT RACE

THE GREAT BRIBIE RAFT RACE

The new short story for kids - a book about a Great Raft Race.

Included in the plot are the characters of Ian Fairweather the Artist, Eric the Emu, and of course the little Bribie friends who have had their personal stories outlined in the Bribie Tales Books. I enjoyed writing this one and it is aimed at the age group 6 - 9 yrs of age (or younger or older!). Grandparents may want to share this with their grand-children. A couple of new friends are introduced - Mia Mouse from Thailand, Amy Frillyneck, Liam and Gazza Green, and Granny Pobblebonk.



Reading stories about the life of artist Ian Fairweather was a strong motivator for the writing of this book. The story of his life, is indeed a story 'stranger than fiction'! Of great significance is when he attempted a raft journey from Australia to Timor which had almost disastrous consequences. He makes an appearance in the book as a mentor on raft building for Matilda and her friends Rocky, Lily and Scarlet. After all he survived a most perilous 16 day voyage (only just!) More info found at:
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fairweather-ian-10147