Yarns from Yandilla (Paperback)

When two newcomers settle in the Shire of Yandilla (situated somewhere in the middle of the hinterland that skits the long eastern coast of Australia) they disrupt the peaceful environment. They play pranks on the folk of LillyVille, they cause havoc in the valley and they upset the fairies and elves. Those newcomers are Barry Badger and Tub the Toad. Neither Barry Badger nor Tub the Toad understands the order of things in the Shire. Barry's youth and exuberance allow him to be led astray by the cunning of Tub the Toad and both find themselves the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons. The fairy, Princess Yllil, attempts to help Barry Badger in his quest for recognition while, at other times, it is her brother, Prince Staj, who alerts inhabitants of Yandilla Shire to pending danger. The fairies link all the characters together as the yarns unfold. The yarns are based on incidents that highlight peculiar attributes of specific Australian animals. Wise Woggle Wombat can be heard giving rhyming advice and, together with Kevin Kanga's strength and common sense, the two Australian animals present an under- current of knowledge about the Australian bush. Because the yarns develop over time they grow in sophistication of plot and vocabulary. Similarly, Barry Badger matures in his manners and understanding as he gets closer and closer to being a 'true blue' Aussie. A Glossary of Special Words including "Strine" is found at the end of each yarn to encourage readers to tinker with tools in the head to investigate new knowledge.