Just So Stories

HOWZAT indeed!!!!! With splendiferous timing after yesterday’s absolutely spectacular knock by Travis Head, it’s lucky I’ve just read the next two in this cracking series.

I was delighted to write the supporting resources for the first two and loved the whole vibe of this series, and these continue in that same vein. With less than 200 pages, very accessible language and action as fast-paced as the man, Pat Cummins, himself these are ideal for those less than enthusiastic readers as well as your kiddos who are already cricket tragics.

I said when I first read them, that I love the ‘wholesome’ feel of these – the fact that these kids are good-hearted and generous, and the narratives are not forced or didactic or preachy.

I also love that Dave Hartley so expertly weaves in First Nations culture and beliefs, while Pat’s own commitment to environmental issues is also heavily focused. And once again, Serena Geddes’ illustrations provide some excellent additions to the text with its dynamic fonts, and well-thought out design.

They are just really feel-good, inspirational books which will not only engage your readers but, with those positive proximal influences, bring out the best in them. This is a real Test match quality series and it gets a full 5 (should be a 6 really!) 🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏rating – howzat!!

Harper Collins Australia

RRP: $15.99

Money Mystery

September 2025

• ISBN: 9781460764701
• ISBN 10: 1460764706

When Mount Riverview has the opportunity to host the national 20-20 Big Bash Cricket League, Pat, Prav and Beth are not the only ones madly excited. But there’s a problem. The club needs to raise funds to install solar-powered stadium lights or they will lose out on their chance. It’s up to the community to be creative and the Pat and his schoolmates are all too eager to help.

They all have great ideas, like cake stalls and car washers, but Pat and pals are pretty much fixed on recycling cans and bottles, and know where there’s a big dump of rubbish out in the bush. There’s just one problem. There’s a rumour about a yowie out in that spot.

Well, turns out that there is a Hairyman – as explained by Pop Fred, who also gives them the okay and the knowledge on what needs to be done, in order to be safe. First step in Pat’s game plan, souse yourself with sardine oil [yep, you’ll need to read it!]..

The kids’ foray to the dump is a winner but not without drama. Some very sketchy adults doing the wrong thing find out what it’s like to disrespect the bush when there’s a Hairyman in charge. Then, as Pat goes digging around in an old car looking for more cans, he finds a whole case full of money!! He really needs to think for a while about his course of action, but it’s Pat and we know he’ll do the right thing. And, let’s face it, virtue has its own reward and pretty soon the Mount Riverview is all lit up ready for the Big Bash League!

Cricket Champs

November 2025

• ISBN: 9781460764718
• ISBN 10: 1460764714

Major excitement when Pat and Prav are selected for the NSW State team! It’s such an opportunity for them to not only represent their state, but also Mount Riverview and their terrific GOAT coach,Tanaka Sensei. Making it even more exciting is that Beth has been selected for the girls’ team as well.

Of course, some people can try hard to dim your light and for Pat and Prav, it’s team-mate and captain, Levi, who goes to the same school but plays for the neighbouring team, Glenbrook-Hazelwood. their nemesis.

Pretty hard to take when they’ve just lost the Grand Final to Levi’s team, and factor in that he’s so nasty to them but the boys are determined to play the game straight while on their big state adventure, even when Levi repeatedly tries to cause trouble for them with Coach Savage.

But a good coach can see through a lot of insincerity and falsehoods, and they also recognise not just real talent but real heart. And both Pat and Prav have those in spadefuls, and come out on top, even when Prav loses his lucky shoes, or they oversleep – or when they have to save Levi from drowning. It’s another great adventure with the good guys having the success that they deserve.