REVIEWS

The early Clutterbugs reviews are in ⬇️ and they’re amazing!

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A neat tale of waste mindfulness wrapped in the gift of creativity, friendship and play, fashioned with whimsy, lively action and heart. This picture book is the gift that keeps on giving. (Romi Sharp, Just Write for Kids)

It’s a really fun and lighthearted way to help Smalls understand the importance of waste reduction, reusing/repurposing and being mindful. And at the same time shows the value of giving a gift made from the heart … (Sue Warren aka Losang Zopa, Just So Stories)

With faultless rhyme by Maura Pierlot and colourful and entertaining illustrations by Maya Bora, Clutterbugs is a fun and satisfying read offering the simple yet wholly important messages: to repurpose and recycle, and how thought and effort are what really give meaning to gifts. (Shelly Higgs, children’s book author)

With a rollicking rhythm and a fun rhyming pattern, Clutterbugs is a delight to read and share with young children … As well as encouraging children to be more organised and less messy with their belongings. Clutterbugs will inspire them to be more creative in the way they use. reuse and recycle them. The book can be read and shared for sheer enjoyment, or to provide those deeper discussions. (Norah Colvin, Readilearn)

Kids will love this narrative because they will totally relate to Steff and the predicament that she is in. The story is engaging and rhythmic, and there are many and varied themes… (@get.kids.booked)

Alphabetter – A Better You and Me, from A to Z

THE LAUNCH

What a thrill to launch Alphabetter at The Book Cow in Canberra on the day of its release, 27th February. It was so heartening to see the excitement, especially amongst educators, for this new ethics-themed title. In the launch video below, I share my inspiration and hopes for the book.

Being better and creating a better world is as easy as A, B, C in this new book by ethicist Maura Pierlot.

Here is an alphabet that teaches us positive qualities and values to embrace a kinder, compassionate and more inclusive world. Being better is easy as A, B, C – adventurous, brave, considerate!

In Alphabetter, ethicist Maura Pierlot presents fun, realistic scenarios and thought-provoking questions that will encourage children to grow in their mindset, make good choices and learn new words along the way!

NEW FILM RELEASE

FRAGMENTS – feature-length anthology cut
with bonus footage

Click image below to view on YouTube

📣 ⬇️ And now for something completely different ⬇️ 📣

Presenting Stay! – a timely and powerful anthem
based on my Fragments monologue, Now You See Me

The song Stay! is brilliantly composed and flawlessly performed by @theprofitkw, with the music video produced/directed by Victoria (Fi) Hopkins. I couldn’t be more proud of this work. Please note: Themes relate to depression and suicidal thoughts. View the video here.

What Will You Make Today? is a non-fiction picture book that invites children to explore the many ways they can make a difference in the world.

In a world bursting with possibilities, what will you make today? Will you make believe? Will you make noise? Will you make a wish? Will you make an excuse? Will you make things right? Will you make up your mind? Will you make a difference?

A series of questions subtly builds perspective from a personal standpoint, culminating in a wholistic view of the world. What Will You Make Today? aims to show children how their choices can effect change and make an impact in their own lives, in the lives of others and in the world.

Fragments – The Web Series

View HERE or click the image below.

Launch by the ACT Arts Minister, Tara Cheyne

23 February, National Film and Sound Archives, Canberra

A big thank you to the 150 or so people who attended the premiere of Fragments on 23rd February. It was a wonderful celebration of the journey from stage play to book to web series. Guests were the first to view the full cut of the web series, followed by a Q&A with members of the Canberra creative and production team. The ACT Arts Minister, Tara Cheyne, officially launched the work.

Photos: Photox – Canberra Photographic Services

Fragments: Official Trailer (October 2022)

The Fragments web series was made possible by the collaboration, dedication, inspiration and perseverance of a talented and diverse production team. You can view production credits HERE.

Fragments – The Book

2nd Edition – NEW!

Fragments: Journeys from Isolation to Connection

Ages 12+ I Big Ideas Press I ISBN 978-0-6450998-1-2 I Pbk I 124pp I YA fiction/Hybrid novel with graphic elements

RELEASE: 1 March 2023

TEACHER NOTES: Click on the image below.

BUY THE BOOK: Click on the image below.

Eight lives untethered.

Eight voices in the dark.

Eight stories of adversity.

Eight lost souls looking for hope.

Tasked with a creative exploration of their mental health and wellbeing, eight students are plunged into the harsh terrain of their psyches, each a fragment of an elusive whole. With seemingly nothing in common, will they ever find their way back … to themselves and each other?

An unflinching glimpse into young people’s lives today.

Riveting. Real. Relatable. 

Fragments: Journeys from Isolation to Connection

Ages 12+ I Big Ideas Press I ISBN 9780645099805 I Pbk I 126pp I YA (Play, Drama)

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True North (formerly, Freefalling) – unpublished manuscript

PLEASE NOTE: This title is now called The Lies We Tell Ourselves, a YA novel to be published by Big Ideas Press on 1st August 2025!

Synopsis

A downward spiral of extreme weight loss, self-loathing and broken friendships thrusts a young girl into a battle for survival against her biggest enemy: herself.

Winner, CBCA Aspiring Writers Mentorship Program (2017)
Winner, Charlotte Waring Barton Award (2017)
Runner Up, NSW Writers Centre Varuna Award (2016)
Shortlisted, Publisher Introduction Program, Varuna (2015)

A powerful story about love and loss, friendship and fitting in, and finding your place in the world.

Comments from beta readers:

This is the book I wish I read in high school. (Chelsea, age 42)

This story changed my life. (Shanelle, age 13)

I stepped into the world of my daughter and everything started to make sense. (Peter, mid-50s)

Humorous, heart-breaking and hopeful. In a word: unforgettable. (Fiona, 40s)

I want more True North! Please make it a series! (Alicia, age 14)

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The Trouble in Tune Town

Musical Reading with Author

Visit The Trouble in Tune Town Website

Teachers Notes | Press Kit

Children’s Picture Book, Little Steps Publishing (2017)

Synopsis

Meg is Tune Town’s best music performer, but she’s having trouble rehearsing. So much trouble, in fact, that the notes have run right off the music sheet! Can Meg find the notes in time for her big concert? Or are they closer to home than she thought? A colourful book for music–loving–and–learning kids of all ages.

Awards

Winner, ACT Writing and Publishing Award (Children’s category, 2018)

Winner, Best Children’s Illustrated E-Book (2018), Independent Book Publishers Awards, USA

Finalist, Children’s Picture Book Hardcover Fiction, International Book Awards (2018), USA

Finalist, Children’s Picture Book, Hardcover Fiction, Best Book Awards, American Bookfest (2018), USA

Selected to feature on Kindling Radio (January 2018)

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Purchase your copy of The Trouble in Tune Town today!

SPECIAL PRICE: $23.42 AUD – includes free shipping anywhere in the world!

TO ORDER: Please click on ‘Buy Now’ button above, which will take you to the Book Depository link on The Trouble in Tune Town website. Or click