Fire

One small spark brought fire awake

Winding like a small black snake

Fire flickered, fire crept

Flames snickered, bushfire leapt...

Inspired by the bushfires that have affected many Australians, Fire is a moving and sensitive story of a natural disaster as seen through the eyes of a cockatoo. The fire mercilessly engulfs homes and land, leaving a devastating path of destruction.

But from the ruins, courage, kindness and new life grows.

A beautiful and timely expression of the strength of the Australian spirit during times of adversity.

About the Author

Jackie French is a full-time writer who lives near Braidwood in the Araluen Valley, NSW. In 2000, Hitler’s Daughter was awarded the CBC Younger Readers’ Award. To the Moon and Back won the Eve Pownall Award in 2005. Macbeth and Son, and Josephine Wants to Dance were both shortlisted for the 2007 CBC Awards. in 2013 her book Pennies for Hitler won the Young People’s History Prize in the 2013 NSW Premier’s History Awards.

About the Illustrator

Bruce Whatley was born in Wales and now lives with his family in Australia. He has illustrated more than 50 children's books, some of which he also wrote.