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Backyard Tennis

Brief Description
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... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2199
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780734424235

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 March 2026

Country: Australia

Imprint: Lothian Children's Books

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Samantha Campbell

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 6.0mm

Width: 251.0mm

Height: 250.0mm

Weight: 130g

Pages: 24

About the Author

Carl Merrison (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.

Samantha Campbell (Illustrator)

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.

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