The Hills Kids: Book One

Hardback with black-and-white chapter-heading images on creme paper. In Australias wilderness four friends-underdog Archie with spiky hair sharp-witted Pippa with acrobatic flair goofball Ollie who loves baking strudel and a scruffy dog Kimba with a thing for white poodles-are on a mission to solve a ginormous problem.A hilarious 278-page adventure comedy novel for children aged 8 to 12. Read with your kids for an uplifting and giggly bonding experience theyll cherish for life!About the authorThe Hills Kids is written and illustrated by two-time British Academy Award-winning film sound designer dad and health educator Gareth Vanderhope. The nature-inspired novel explores his experiences growing up in the Dandenong Ranges Australia and how the environment and community shape childrens behaviour and wellbeing.The plotInspired by actual events the timeless story spans four seasons where the rhythms and personalities of nature intersect with the childrens lives and escapades. WinterAfter a wild billycart race down a treacherous mountain road Archie reveals a problem to his friends. Together they set off on an adventure to make things right.SpringWhen the hills kids plans are foiled by some tricky chickens the friends head to the forest for answers. There they discover a mysterious creature a secret tunnel and an adventure wonderland.SummerOn a night-time fishing adventure Archie and Pippa get a huge surprise that leads to more problems. Following a close encounter with a bushfire Archie and his friends discover that kindness is the best medicine.AutumnChestnut season brings fresh opportunities for The Hills Kids. However to achieve their dreams and solve Archies problem they must overcome a series of diabolical challenges. All hopes rest on their pizazzy roadside stall and a comical encounter with some lively Italian tourists.What do the hills kids discover in the forest?The friends continue in a slow crawl pressing their hands and knees gently on the fungusy forest floor to avoid stick cracks or leaf crunches that will scare the creature away. Goosebumps sprinkle over Pippas arms from the cold gully air. She pauses behind the ferns and parts two fronds revealing a scratched earth clearing and a dirt mound. Everyone freezes in excitement and awe . . .Praise for The Hills KidsThe Hills Kids is such a hilarious and exciting extravaganza. I couldnt take my eyes off it until the very last page!- Leia 11We loved reading the hills kids as a family. We fell in love with the characters and the adventures.- Elie Mum (read with 8-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter)We seriously loved it. If only you knew how difficult it is to get my boy to even begin a fiction book you would know that his compliment is probably worth more than any you will hear in your life!- Michelle Mum (read with 9-year-old son).Kids these days need opportunities to be creative and to be inspired and to play outside. I just loved it!- Order of Australia recipient Bev McAlister