1
of
1
Ash Flies High (Kimberley Kickers, #3): A fun adventure series about mates, growing up in the Kimberley and footy (Aussie Rules!)
Series: Kimberley Kickers
Brief Description
A footy adventure story based on Ash Johnson's life by award-winning authors Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Jy Goes for Gold (Book 1) was a CBCA Notable book in 2025. I reach out and snatch the footy... I sense where the goals are... I position myself,...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$1799
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
Ash Flies High (Kimberley Kickers, #3): A fun adventure series abou...
$1799
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
Book Briefing - 11th August
New Zealand books are recognized internationally, AI continues to cause drama, exciting new books are...
Exciting New Tonies - Minecraft / Chronicles of Narnia
Lots of really cool book tonies are up for pre-order this week - due out...
Remembering Sir Sam Neill
I was so saddened when I heard of the passing of Sam Neill. I've enjoyed...
Book Briefing - 5th August
Welcome to this week's Book Briefing where we round up the news for the week!
Have you heard of ... SolarPunk?
I love a niche genre and discovering a range of books that have things in...
See more
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
A footy adventure story based on Ash Johnson's life by award-winning authors Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Jy Goes for Gold (Book 1) was a CBCA Notable book in 2025.
I reach out and snatch the footy...
I sense where the goals are...
I position myself, put the ball on my boot for a snap kick and it sails through the goals.
It's my FIRST GAME in AFL and I just scored my FIRST GOAL.
I've made it.
I'm (Little) Ash Johnson and the dream I had to play professional Aussie Rules footy since I was a kid in outback Halls Creek has finally come true.
If you like the sound of:
Water balloon battles! Mud and cows! Playing Aussie Rules footy! Waterhole diving!
... then you will LOVE my story!
A footy adventure story based on Ash Johnson's life by award-winning authors Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler.
Series: Kimberley Kickers
View all-
Jy Goes for Gold (Kimberley Kickers, #1)
An action-packed illustrated series for ages 8+, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo and My Footy Boots. I'm about 35 metres out from the goal and, running on instinct, I do a snap kick of the ball. I watch as the footy flies through the air. Will it bend enough? I can hear the roar of the crowd but...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781460765098
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 28 July 2026
Country: Australia
Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Samantha Campbell
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Weight: 0g
Pages: 144
About the Author
Carl Merrison is a respected Jaru/Kija man who came WA runner up Australian of the Year - Local Hero in 2016. He worked for over ten years alongside Aboriginal youth as a mentor and coach in education, AFL and community. Carl, along with co-writer Hakea Hustler, is an award-winning author of the books Black Cockatoo (CBCA Young Reader Honour Book), Tracks of the Missing, Dirran, Beautiful Night, Loved You Then and My Deadly Boots. Hakea Hustler is an experienced teacher who has taught around Australia including in remote Aboriginal communities. Hakea believes in the power of stories for empowerment, learning and change. Hakea, along with co-writer Carl Merrison, is an award-winning author of the books Black Cockatoo (CBCA Young Reader Honour Book), Tracks of the Missing, Dirran, Beautiful Night, Loved You Then and My Deadly Boots. Ash Johnson started his AFL journey running around the red dirt; chasing goanna, running after big brothers, dodging cheeky dogs, and playing 'It'. These life experiences taught him to take big leaps, big marks and kick deadly goals. Ash is from large families across the Kimberley region of Western Australia so there was always someone to play with or hunt with or practice footy with. Ash's footy dream took him all around Australia: to the Claremont Football Club WA, Northern Wangaratta in Victoria, Scotch College and Sturt teams in South Australia. This wealth of experience both in life and in footy teams lead to Ash being drafted into Collingwood Football Club as a forward line player. Ash is passionate about being a role-model for other outback kids who want to chase big dreams; whether they be sport or another passion. Samantha Campbell is a children's book illustrator and graphic designer. She is descended from the Dagoman people and lives in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) with her family. She draws from inspiration from her childhood growing up in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
Also by Carl Merrison
View all-
Jy Goes for Gold (Kimberley Kickers, #1)
An action-packed illustrated series for ages 8+, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo and My Footy Boots. I'm about 35 metres out from the goal and, running on instinct, I do a snap kick of the ball. I watch as the footy flies through the air. Will it bend enough? I can hear the roar of the crowd but...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Black Cockatoo
Black Cockatoo is a vignette that follows Mia, a young Aboriginal girl, as she explores the fragile connections of family and culture. Mia is a 13-year-old girl from a remote community in the Kimberley. She is saddened by the loss of her brother as he distances himself from the family. She feels powerless to change the things she sees around...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
How Big Is Love?
The love between two family members takes us on a journey from their small backyard, across Country, to the end of time - because sometimes we need to hear all the ways we are loved. A heartfelt story from the award-winning creators of Black Cockatoo, with illustrator Jade Goodwin. 'My love stretches back to Creation and forward to the end...Hardback$5800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Krstel Kicks to Win (Kimberley Kickers, #2)
An action-packed illustrated series for ages 8+, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo and My Deadly Boots. It's a GOAL! A rush of adrenaline courses through me as I jump in the air in celebration. This is big – my first goal in the AFLW. I've achieved my dream! My teammates gather around to celebrate. I can hear my...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Ngurra Home
We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. The second book, Dirrarn, follows Mia as she finds herself at boarding school, navigating the challenges of living thousands of kilometres away from home and family, and maintaining her sense of identity and belonging. In this final book, Ngurra Home, Mia is...PaperbackSold Out -
Backyard Footy
The first book in a joyful black&write! Fellowship-winning picture book series that follows a cast of footy-loving kids as they hop through the backyards of their neighbourhood in the Kimberley, collecting equipment and friends to play with as they go. Jy is playing football alone in his small backyard in the Kimberley, but when he accidentally kicks the ball over...PaperbackSold Out -
Backyard Tennis
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...HardbackSold Out -
Dirrarn
Age range 10+ Mia could hear the squarks of her Jarriny before she saw them. Her eyes had flicked to the sky in search of the passing dirrarn but soon realised the noise was from the bird just beyond the gate. We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo, as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. Dirrarn...PaperbackSold Out -
Tracks of the Missing
Age range 12+'There must be payback.''There must, you are right,' Grandfather agrees.'What can you offer in exchange?'Grandfather holds up his arms, open, offering himself as a sacrifice. 'I am old.'Deklan 'Dek' Archer and his mates arrive at school to a tense atmosphere. 'Old Mate', Mr Henry, who has lived in town for a long time, has been found murdered. He...PaperbackSold Out -
Backyard Tennis
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...PaperbackSold Out -
Backyard Footy
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...HardbackSold Out -
My Deadly Boots
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...HardbackSold Out
Also by Hakea Hustler
View all-
Jy Goes for Gold (Kimberley Kickers, #1)
An action-packed illustrated series for ages 8+, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo and My Footy Boots. I'm about 35 metres out from the goal and, running on instinct, I do a snap kick of the ball. I watch as the footy flies through the air. Will it bend enough? I can hear the roar of the crowd but...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Black Cockatoo
Black Cockatoo is a vignette that follows Mia, a young Aboriginal girl, as she explores the fragile connections of family and culture. Mia is a 13-year-old girl from a remote community in the Kimberley. She is saddened by the loss of her brother as he distances himself from the family. She feels powerless to change the things she sees around...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
How Big Is Love?
The love between two family members takes us on a journey from their small backyard, across Country, to the end of time - because sometimes we need to hear all the ways we are loved. A heartfelt story from the award-winning creators of Black Cockatoo, with illustrator Jade Goodwin. 'My love stretches back to Creation and forward to the end...Hardback$5800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Krstel Kicks to Win (Kimberley Kickers, #2)
An action-packed illustrated series for ages 8+, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo and My Deadly Boots. It's a GOAL! A rush of adrenaline courses through me as I jump in the air in celebration. This is big – my first goal in the AFLW. I've achieved my dream! My teammates gather around to celebrate. I can hear my...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Tracks of the Missing
Age range 12+'There must be payback.''There must, you are right,' Grandfather agrees.'What can you offer in exchange?'Grandfather holds up his arms, open, offering himself as a sacrifice. 'I am old.'Deklan 'Dek' Archer and his mates arrive at school to a tense atmosphere. 'Old Mate', Mr Henry, who has lived in town for a long time, has been found murdered. He...PaperbackSold Out -
Ngurra Home
We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. The second book, Dirrarn, follows Mia as she finds herself at boarding school, navigating the challenges of living thousands of kilometres away from home and family, and maintaining her sense of identity and belonging. In this final book, Ngurra Home, Mia is...PaperbackSold Out -
Dirrarn
Age range 10+ Mia could hear the squarks of her Jarriny before she saw them. Her eyes had flicked to the sky in search of the passing dirrarn but soon realised the noise was from the bird just beyond the gate. We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo, as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. Dirrarn...PaperbackSold Out -
My Deadly Boots
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...HardbackSold Out
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseCass and the Beast
A sweeping and original picture book about a girl who chooses not to be afraid, a modern-day heroine in a story we feel in our bones like an ancient folktale. When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey. The creature takes her on a thundering ride through...Hardback$2399Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseB is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Signed CopyThe Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
