Samantha Campbell – illustratör

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CHILDREN''S BOOK AWARD, QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARDS 2023SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR AGES 3-5 AWARD 2023Spikes on the bottom boots,my favourite colour boots,making me too deadly.Can the shoes on your feet really make you jump higher? Walk taller? Dream bigger? A joyous, empowering story about finding confidence within yourself, boots or no boots, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo. ''The text has a punchy sense of addictive rhythm . . . [and] the story is full of heart'' Books+Publishing''Highly recommended'' Sunday Telegraph''A positive and empowering story about finding yourself'' ReadPlus''This is a joyous, empowering picture book about finding confidence within yourself and loving life. Gorgeous and vibrant, it''s sure to be a hit'' Readings

Jy is playing football alone in his small backyard in the Kimberley, but when he accidentally kicks the ball over the fence, a footy adventure begins! Footy by yourself is fun but playing with mates is better.The first title in a joyful black&write! Fellowship-winning series, where the fun only grows with family and friends!Praise for Backyard Footy''There''s a real sense of energy and fun to this upbeat children''s picture book by Jaru/Kija kids'' author Carl Merrison.'' The West Australian ''Hits the mark with its complete joy for the game and, even better, for its spirit of mateship.'' Books+Publishing''A superb energy flows through Backyard Footy . . . When the punchline comes, it''s very easy to agree: "Footy by yourself is fun but playing with mates is better."'' South Sydney Herald''Joyful . . . Merrison''s belief in and commitment to fostering community and kids'' wellbeing shines through on every page of this latest big-hearted adventure. Backyard Footy is a precious picture book that conveys a simple but vital message . . . A heartwarming and immersive read for any young reader.'' Better Reading''A vibrant, fast-paced picture book . . . A very enjoyable read.'' ReadPlus

Follow a cast of sport-loving kids as they hop through the backyards of their neighbourhood in the Kimberley, collecting equipment and friends to play with as they go, from award-winning creators Carl Merrison and Samantha Campbell.Mum loves tennis, but we don''t have a court out here. One day, she gets out her old racquets and takes me into the backyard.''I''ll teach you how to play,'' Mum says, and our tennis adventure begins.A joyful series that celebrates sport, where the fun only grows with family and friends!Praise for Backyard Footy''There''s a real sense of energy and fun to this upbeat children''s picture book by Jaru/Kija kids'' author Carl Merrison.'' The West Australian''Hits the mark with its complete joy for the game and, even better, for its spirit of mateship.'' Books+Publishing''A superb energy flows through Backyard Footy . . . When the punchline comes, it''s very easy to agree: "Footy by yourself is fun but playing with mates is better."'' South Sydney Herald''Joyful . . . Merrison''s belief in and commitment to fostering community and kids'' wellbeing shines through on every page of this latest big-hearted adventure. Backyard Footy is a precious picture book that conveys a simple but vital message . . . A heartwarming and immersive read for any young reader.'' Better Reading''A vibrant, fast-paced picture book . . . A very enjoyable read.'' ReadPlus