For generations, Aussie children have escaped into the zany worlds created by Paul Jennings.
His classics such as The Gizmo and the Wicked! series have sold millions of copies, while his short story collection inspired the cult TV series Round The Twist.
Decades later, and the English-born author, now 79, is still writing, and his latest, The Lorikeet Tree, is his most "complex" tale to date.
This is your first novel in more than a decade. How did this story come about?
Forty years ago, I tried to write a story about a boy who mistakenly thought his grandfather would die when the tree growing outside his window reached the roof of their house. Over the years I returned to this idea but couldn't think of a way of resolving the dilemma. In the end, I gave up. And then, at the beginning of the first COVID Lockdown, my partner adopted a kitten. One day it brought a tiny, still alive, baby lorikeet home in its mouth. Straight away I knew how to tell this tale.
This story is from the February 06, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 06, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BEAT THE 2PM ENERGY SLUMP
Shake off afternoon fatigue in as little as 20 seconds!
'MY DAUGHTER VANISHED WITHOUT TRACE
Catherine fears the worst after last seeing Chantelle 16 years ago
I RESCUE AUSSIES FROM CULTS
Raphael helps people break free from coercive religious groups
'LUKE WOULD BE PROUD OF ME'
Ten years after her son's death, Rosie Batty is still helping others
Mad Max 45 years on 'MEL & I HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT'
Steve Bisley recalls the day he and mate Mel Gibson began filming the low-budget movie that would become a global phenomenon
LUCINDA & TIMOTHY FRIENDSHIP AT FIRST SIGHT
The fan favourites have come out best pals!
CANDICE WARNER 'I'M DOING THIS FOR MYSELF'
The cricket WAG reveals it's been a long time coming to get into the South African jungle
CLAWS OUT! IS JULIA & CHRIS FRIENDSHIP OVER?
A war of words has left the former TV double act on shaky ground
JESS & JAMES CLOSER THAN EVER!
Despite their split, the proud parents remain united to raise their daughter
BRAD TAKES THE STAND!
Brad Pitt could be about to take the stand in the nastiest celebrity court case in history.