Here is an excerpt from my latest story, 'Buckley Saves Christmas', which is set during the drought of 1902. This story will be available to buy next week, so watch out for it in online stores.
"As they approached, Buckley spied a young aboriginal boy, sitting on a branch, peering at them through the foliage. “Hello young fella,” said Buckley, waving in the direction of the tree. “Who are you talking to?” enquired Archie. “The young lad over yonder in the tree. Can’t you see him?” said Buckley. “No mate, I obviously haven’t been eating my veggies lately,” joked Archie. The young boy, realising he had been spotted, and by a Yowie no less, suddenly leapt from his place of safety, landing hard on the ground. Rising unsteadily to his feet he glanced over towards Buckley and Archie. “Jindeera!” he screamed, as he took off, as fast as his legs could carry him, towards the safety of the distant forest of gum trees. Percy, who had been watching from afar, sprang into his saddle and spurred his horse on to catch up with the terrified boy. Meanwhile, Buckley began running at what can only be described as super Yowie speed, and had soon overtaken the young boy, who had stopped as suddenly as he had started. The boy was very dirty and obviously hadn’t seen a wash basin or bar of soap for some time. His feet were bare and blistered, his hair was long and straggly, and he was dressed in a torn and dirty white shirt and black short trousers. “Jindeera, please do not eat me. Look....” said the boy, pointing to his emaciated arms, “I have no meat on me so would be a poor choice for a meal”. “That is just a myth. I do not eat people. I am your friend,” laughed Buckley as he offered his large hand in friendship, “Buckley is the name, and these two stout young fellows approaching now are my brothers Percy and Archie”. The boy was surprised and, although a little apprehensive, accepted Buckley’s hand.
#booksforkids; #Christmas; #christmasgifts; #christmasiscoming; #reading; #storytelling