Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops

A heartwarming and hilarious middle grade adventure about taking a chance on friendship while taking on time-stopping casino thieves. What would you do if you could stop time?Twelve-year-old Stu is new to Las Vegas, and he's lonely.His best friend back in Australia has dumped him, and his only friend here is his pet snake.He wants more friends, but it hurts too much to lose them.Then Stu runs into a pair of casino thieves with an amazing ability - they can stop time!But when the whole world freezes in place, Stu keeps moving.And when Stu discovers he can stop time too, the thieves come up with a criminal plan for him.Can Stu master his new powers and stop the thieves, while finding the courage to make new friends?Only time will tell. The first children's book to be shortlisted for the Newcastle Writers Festival Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize.Honorable Mention in the 2024 Kids' Choice Kidlit Contest, where books for young readers are judged by young readers.Runner Up for the Writing NSW Fellowship.Honorable Mention in Just Write for Kids' Pitch It! Competition. "e;I love this book! A fast-moving heist plot, memorable characters, clever humor, and a great use of superpowers. It had me hooked from the first page and laughing all the way through. A fast, funny, and utterly brilliant adventure! Drop everything to read it!"e;- Claire Fayers, author of The Accidental Pirates series"e;What a fun story! Perfect for 8-12 year olds, this funny story follows Stu, a kid who recently moved away from Australia and his best friend to the United States. When he goes to a birthday party and time seems to stop, he winds up in a wacky web of thievery and heroics. Will Stu manage to save the day, his dad's job, and maybe make a friend out of the scary tough girl who acts like she doesn't need anyone? Only time will tell!"e;- Malia Maunakea, author of the Lei and the Legends series