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

BOOK 3 - A PARTY IS ANNOUNCED AT BUCKLEY'S HOLE

Scarlet the Green Tree Frog is turning 4 and she has a bright idea. Scarlet wants to celebrate her birthday with her friends in one of her favourite places, Buckley's Hole. There were plenty of places to play or swim or climb there. It was what the people on the island called a "Conservation Park"

Scarlet wants a special cake so she visits the Bakery at Bonjaree. Mrs Sugar the Baker agrees to make a mud cake covered in fluffy sugar slime with a green tree frog figure sitting on the top.

She invites lots of her friends including Matilda and the Water Mouse family; Granny Pobblebonk; Rocky and the Rocket Frogs, Lily Frilly Neck, and Tila Turtle. (There are also some gate crashers!) They love to hit the piñata.

Many presents are given but an extra special one takes Scarlet out of her comfort zone completely.
WAY OUT SIDE HER COMFORT ZONE!!!
What is it and who gives it?

AN AMAZING FACT 
Did You Know?
The green tree frogs can climb smooth surfaces by clinging with their belly skin and the pads on their toes. Their call is an extremely distinctive 'wark-wark-wark', which is only produced by the males. Both males and females will produce a loud, high-pitched scream if taken by a predator that may surprise it into dropping the frog. The main danger to the green tree frog is the destruction of its habitat through wetland clearance and drainage. Disease has also become an important factor, particularly a type of fungus called a chytrid fungus that attacks the frog's skin. Researchers are currently examining the effects and spread of this pathogen very closely as it appears to have caused the decline of several species of frog both in Australia and South America.

The green tree frog is usually a beautiful bright green, though, depending on the mood of the frog, this may sometimes fade to a dark khaki-green. Some specimens also have white spots that are outlined in darker colours. The underside is creamy-white. In its adult stage, a female green tree frog may reach almost 12cm in length. Males are much smaller and less robust than the females.

Habitat:
The green tree frog is distributed through the eastern and northern parts of Australia. It prefers cool damp places and, particularly in more arid areas, will often use human habitation for shelter. It is well known for its habit of hiding under the rim of outback toilet bowls!

Diet:
The tree frog's diet includes spiders, crickets lizards, other frogs and cockroaches and, when in captivity, it will even eat small mice.

Reproduction:
The green tree frog is a summer and wet season breeder and will make use of all types of still water including water tanks, swimming pools, semi-permanent swamps and drainage systems. Before metamorphosing, the tadpoles may grow to about 10cm in total length.

Ref: www.reptilepark.com.au