SHORTLISTED FOR THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD, QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARDS 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR AGES 3-5 AWARD 2023

Spikes 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

About the Author
Carl Merrison is a respected Jaru/Kija man from the Halls Creek area who came WA runner up Australian of the Year - Local Hero in 2016. He has worked for over ten years alongside Aboriginal youth as a mentor and coach. Carl was the winner of the black&write! Fellowship in 2020 for his young readers' series Backyard Sports, and his debut picture book, My Deadly Boots, was shortlisted in the Queensland Literary Awards 2023 and the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards 2023. Hakea Hustler is an experienced teacher who has taught around Australia, including in remote Aboriginal communities. Hakea is committed to Indigenous education with a focus on story as learning and empowerment. Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler's first book, Black Cockatoo (Magabala Books), won Honour book in the CBCA Young Reader category. Samantha Campbell grew up in the Northern Territory and lives in Darwin. She is descended from the Dagoman people from Katherine and as a child lived in remote communities across the Top End. Her first book, Alfred's War, written by Rachel Bin Salleh, was shortlisted for the Premier's Literary Awards and the Speech Pathology Awards. She is currently illustrating her fifth children's book.


Book Information
ISBN 9780734421456
Author Carl Merrison
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Lothian Books
Publisher Hachette Australia
Weight(grams) 360g
Dimensions(mm) 256mm * 256mm * 10mm