Carl and Hakea have both worked for many years in mainstream, special education and outback remote classrooms. We know the pressure that teachers are under, the time spent preparing resources and planning lessons. We want to reduce your load, increase student engagement and make our novel study enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for finding this page and for your interest in studying our books.

How Big Is Love?

‘How Big Is Love?’ is a gentle story of all the ways we show love. Perfect for reading during events such as 100 Days of School, Grandparents Days, NAIDOC and other events. 
Acess the publisher teacher notes here

My Deadly Boots (Lothian 2022)

My Deadly Boots (Lothian 2022) is perfect for study in junior primary classes around Australia. This text makes references to topics that could be delved deeply into for upper primary classrooms as well. Set in the remote outback- this picture book shows diverse characters, landscapes and experiences.

Access the FREE TEACHER RESOURCES HERE and invest in the PAID print-and-go TEACHER RESOURCES HERE.

Download the free publisher teachers notes here.

Backyard Footy (Lothian 2023)

‘Backyard Footy’ is the first picture book in Carl Merrison’s Blak&Write Fellowship winning ‘Backyard Sports’ series. It follows Jy as he plays sports across his remote outback community. With real life AFL and AFLW stars, this picture book is sure to engage footy fans and picture book readers alike. 

Access the FREE TEACHER RESOURCES and invest in the PAID print-and-go TEACHER RESOURCES HERE.

Download the free publisher teachers notes here.

Backyard Tennis (Lothian 2024)

‘Backyard Tennis’ is the second in Carl ‘s Blak&Write Fellowship winning ‘Backyard Sports’ series. This book shows the fun of trying something new, being inclusive, and the diversity of outback kids. This book will engage little sports enthusiasts and little adventurers. 

Access the FREE TEACHER RESOURCES here. 

Download the free publisher teachers notes here.

Tracks of the Missing (Magabala 2022)

Tracks of the Missing (Magabala 2022) which was shortlisted for the Daisy Utemorrah Award in 2019 will be PERFECT for study with Year 7-10 students around Australia. Set in remote outback Australia, this text introduces readers to diverse characters, culture and landscapes. The text does contain references to suicide, drug use and other challenging topics- so may not be suitable for the junior high school years depending on class or school. 

Access the FREE TEACHER RESOURCE PACK HERE and invest in the COMPREHENSIVE PRINT-AND-GO TEACHER RESOURCES HERE.

Download the free publisher teachers notes here.

Reading Australia resource here. 

Black Cockatoo (Magabala 2018)

lack Cockatoo (Magabala 2018) won the 2019 CBCA Honour Book Award and was shortlisted for many other national awards. This text is perfect for grades 3-6 but has been studied in low literacy high school classrooms as well. Check out the free resources to see if this book meets the needs of your students and curriculum- then invest in our paid print-and-go teacher resources. Being a small novella it can be studies in conjunction with other texts- or stand alone with depth added through issues studies. 

Download your FREE TEACHER PACK HERE and invest in your own PAID TEACHER RESOURCES HERE

Download:

– Free publisher teachers notes

– Reading Australia teachers notes free

– Ochre Education Teacher Resources

– PETAA Unit Plan

– Teaching Together- Book Study Planner 

– Teaching Together- Beehive thinking resource

Dirrarn (Magabala 2023)

‘Dirrarn’ is the Daisy Utemorrah award-winning sequel to the CBCA Honour Book ‘Black Cockatoo’. Follow Mia as she leaves all she knows to go to boarding school in Perth. Join in her opportunities, challenges and adventures. What will life be like in the big city? 

Access the FREE TEACHER RESOURCES and invest in the PAID print-and-go TEACHER RESOURCES HERE… soon.

Download the free publisher teacher notes here.

Reading Australia resource here. 

Ngurra Home (Magabala 2025)

‘Ngurra Home’ is the third book in the Black Cockatoo series. Mia is in the final years of her university degree when she is called home to protect Country. 

Download the publisher teacher notes here

Kimberley Kickers- Jy Goes for Gold

‘Jy Goes for Gold’ is the first in the Kimberley Kicker series that follows outback sports stars as they achieve their AFL dreams. 

Access the FREE TEACHER RESOURCES and invest in the PAID print-and-go TEACHER RESOURCES HERE… soon.

Download the free publisher teaching guide here. 

Kimberley Kickers- Krstel Kicks to Win

‘Krstel Kicks to Win’ is the second in the Kimberley Kickers series. Krstel grows up in the bush, having fun and learning the skills to be a deadly future AFLW player. 

Kimberley Kickers- Ash Flies High

‘Ash Flies High’ is the final book in the Kimberley Kickers series. 

Other Resources

CREATIVE WRITING RESOURCES

AUTHOR TALK RESOURCES

  • School Skype Notes (Example PowerPoint Presentation available on request to see if our message meets your needs)

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