Animal Force: A Magical Wildlife Adventure of Belonging, Courage and Word Play
Animal Force began with my two boys and their friends laughing over silly word games, love of and play in our local wild backyards, and the deep belief that play can help children find their voices through building rich language, confidence and courage.
In July 2026, I was delighted to have my first junior fiction novel published by MidnightSun Publishing. Animal Force is a magical wildlife adventure set in South-East Queensland, where island camping, birthday celebrations and beach games quickly turn into something much wilder.
At the heart of the story are twins Leo and Kelly, who are celebrating their 11th birthdays on an island camping weekend. They have just found out they are adopted, so this trip carries more than boogie boards, swags and marshmallows. They are trying to make sense of who they are and where they belong. Kelly wants answers whereas Leo wants everything to go back to normal. Too bad normal is gone!
Instead of a simple weekend of beach games, campfire stories and new friends, Leo and Kelly discover a magical connection to the local wildlife. That connection helps them tap into their inner strengths as they outsmart bullies, stage a sea rescue with a wobbly floating bin chicken, dodge kangaroo poo and survive the horror of getting swag-slimed and sinking up to their armpits in mangrove mud.
Animal Force is fun, more than a bit messy and full of heart. It is also a story about language: how children can find their voices and have connect with each other in the games they play.
Leo and Kelly discover that courage isn't about not being scared. It's about finding your inner animal and letting it roar!
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