FORMER Hamilton woman, and author, Neridah McMullin has penned another book for children sticking with her theme of writing historical books suitable for children.

Her latest, ‘Tearaway Coach’ is a story about a journey from Ballarat to Geelong in a Cobb & Co coach, set during the Victorian Gold Rush.

When Fenton and his father catch the coach to Geelong, they have no idea that their driver of the team of powerful horses is the famous Edward Devine - ‘Cabbage Tree Ned’ - or of the incredible adventure that lies ahead.

Ms McMullin grew up on a farm at Hamilton surrounded by animals, with a 1000 acres to run around in to inspire her books.

She is the author of twelve books for children and loves Australian history, animals’ stories and true stories.

Her latest novel ‘Evie and Rhino’ published by Walker Books Australia was a Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book in the 2023 ‘Book of the Year’ for Younger Readers.

It was also shortlisted for the 2023 Readings Prize and won the 2023 Speech Pathology ‘Book of the Year’ for Younger Readers.

Her picture book ‘Eat my Dust!’ also published by Walker Books, was recently awarded a CBCA 2024 Notable in the Eve Pownall Information Books category.

Neridah has been a recipient of a Maurice Saxby Mentorship and a May Gibbs Fellowship. She loves family, footy, walking her dog and meeting other people’s dogs.

The book is filled with beautiful illustrations by Andrew McLean who grew up in the Victorian country town of Bairnsdale.

He trained as a painter and teacher and taught in secondary schools before becoming a lecturer in painting and drawing at Caulfield Institute of Technology.

He has been a full-time artist now for more than thirty years.

Mr McLean and his wife Janet have created many picture books together, and Andrew has also illustrated books written by other authors.

Many of his books have been award winners: he has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award three times.