Elton: The Different Kookaburra

Hi Lee,

Last night, on my way to bed, I caught my little girl, red-eyed and guilty-faced, secretly reading Elton under her bed covers. It was well past the witching hour of midnight, and her only excuse was, "But Mummy! I just can't put it down. Please can I read just one more chapter? Please? Pleeeeease?!?

By way of a book review, I think that just about says it all:-)

Best wishes,

Annette

I didn't know what a kookaburra was until I read this book. The title is what hooked me. I thought, what's a kookaburra? And now I know. It's a good book for kids. I have a lot of neices and nephews that would like this, thanks for making me aware of it, and glad to see it is for sale. Too many books on this site aren't for sale, then wen you read them, you can't finish them. GLad this is one I can buy.

Lee,

I thoroughly enjoyed Elton: The Different Kookaburra. The story has “Pixar” written all over it. It has the strange and wonderful Australian bush as it‘s setting, a quirky Elton John impersonator to make the audience laugh, a couple of dark creatures to fear and one cute little down-and-outer who we just can’t help but fall in love with.

This is written with all the heart and imagination of Walt Disney himself. Each and every character is drawn in our minds in living color and their real-to-life dialogue brings out that lovely and enviable Australian accent. This is sure to entertain not only the youngsters but anyone who has a soft heart toward the underdog. Highly starred!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

Judging by the first few chapters of Elton, this is by far the best children’s book for this age group I have read on Autho. The human characters are very believable particularly Reg. He's exactly the sort of eccentric you’d find living in a caravan park in the Australian bush. And then to have him live side by side with a family of kookaburras who want to sing along as well…..

You understand that children are demanding little creatures and won’t put up with being patronised. Even if they don’t pick up on all of the jokes, the adults who read the story to them, will. There is a message in there about difference, but you never let that get in the way of a rollicking good yarn. Highly starred.
Alison (Lambert Nagle)
Revolution Earth

I read chapters 4 and 5.
I could see my children reading this a in a few short years.
You did well capturing the loneliness, sadness, and discomfort of the "different" child. The "odd" one out.
I'm positive many children can relate to Elton: the Different Kookaburra. Perhaps left with a feeling that they aren't alone, in a sense anyway.

Giving you some stars. I really enjoyed what I read.
As for grammatical/spelling errors, nothing to report. This is very well written.

-Aliah
Her Demise

Well, at this juncture, you've delighted me by having a budgie save the day. It reminded me of our family's budgie who lived to be 13 years old. In my story Grow, Edna, a budgie is Edna's empathetic and sage friend. In your tale, yes, Snowy does do a bit more than we'd expect of such a bird but budgies do talk, don't they? Great imagination continues. I'll keep reading.

Super creative!
This is an interesting idea for a book story. I like that there is a new sort of voice to it.
Very good job makings flow at a fun pace.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please take a look at my pirate adventure Driving Winds. :)

oh I love this. The pitch is good! Reg made me laugh the beginning and how sweet of Coreen and Matari. And Elton doing his dance ... you write in a way that brings the K's to life. I am a lover of wildlife, animals etc so alovely read and good luck. And also thank you for the encouragement to get back with Kangaroo Land. All the best.

It is great to know different kookabitta. Think about the age of children it is aimed for/ reading stage. Good work. though font and writing style is not child enticing. My son wasn't happyreading this font, construction criticsm.
Gradially stages of how egg hatches. informative and narrative. The National Bird watching society and National heritage society and country life association will like this. Difeerent to others i call variety. weldone.

Hi Lee,

Last night, on my way to bed, I caught my little girl, red-eyed and guilty-faced, secretly reading Elton under her bed covers. It was well past the witching hour of midnight, and her only excuse was, "But Mummy! I just can't put it down. Please can I read just one more chapter? Please? Pleeeeease?!?

By way of a book review, I think that just about says it all:-)

Best wishes,

Annette

I loved this so much such a brilliantly written book. I enjoyed the humour I am sure children aswell as adults will love this.The story is really original and I would love to see this with illustrations. Highly starred!

I've now updated chapters 1 & 2 with the suggestions. Thanks for the feedback!

YARG Review

Great dialogue. I love the voices of the birds and their misunderstanding of the Elton situation. I like the way you tell us quite a lot of details about Kookaburras without making it too textbookish. I love Reg – presumably himself named after Mr Dwight? – he gets the best dialogue of all and has a very convincing voice. Your work is well edited and best of all I’ve always liked kookaburras so this is just great. Not too much to correct but here are some of the little things I noticed

APOLOGISED profusely
I’d put - SHOOK wildly up and down,
I think “Slack Creek’s longest resident” is repeated too soon – it’s less abrasive to say Reg
I believe that thoughts should never be put into quotation marks but italics – e.g. ‘Maybe he was having a nervous break-down,’ thought Derek to himself.
gentlemen, Mr Elton John” AND off they go. –delete and
not that it matters but is there the implication that Vince and Reg are gay?
Australia’s finest impersonator of the greatest of God’s GIFTS to this earth.’
‘I still THINK that last egg is smaller than the others,’ – is clearer and avoids a difficult alliteration
rolling it closer FOR HER inspection.
“flaming torch” - confusing as it sounds like he’s got a flaming torch
On the fifth day that mother’s instinct was rewarded; a tiny chip appeared in the top of the strangely-coloured shell. – At this point I felt you should give a sentence or two to describe the progress of the other chicks
but some of her partner’s criticism had hit ITS mark;
hands. Slowly, she began to climb higher and higher, her eyes firmly fixed on the DARK HOLE. – try to avoid repeating short phrases too close to one another.
I had no idea what yabbies were – thanks!
Nice cliffhanger ending.

Really good work – I’ll keep reading and maybe find space on my shelf.

Best wishes
Benedict

Hi Sharda

Thanks for taking the time to look at 'Elton'. Glad you enjoyed the story.

The human characters only appear in the first and last chapters. This first chapter is basically the back story to how the main character gets his name and throws in some humour for good measure.

Re the font - I've used Comic Sans to make it stand out from the usual choice of Times, Courier or Arial. As it's primarily aimed at younger readers, it makes it appear less 'serious'. Thanks for the feedback though and good to hear that it's gone down well

Lee :-)

Hi Lee,
here for our reading swap.
You write with assurance, ease and humour. I like the switching between the adults and the birds and how one storyline echoes the other. I like the different voices which come through the dialogue. The pace is good and the writing is smooth.
Two teensy, tiny niggles:
(1) the font is a little irritating... I think you'd be better off with a more generic font on Authonomy.
(2) I think my children (9 and 6) would struggle with who Elton John is, even tho we are British!! So many of the jokes would go over their heads. I don't know how you get over that. But it's worth a thought anyway and may put publishers off too. Perhaps put a little more explaination in, or make that part of the joke, that one of the other characters has no idea who he is? I've only read Chp1, so it may not be an issue in the rest of the book.
All the best with this,
I will highly star.
Sharda.

Hi Benedict,

Thanks for the comments and glad you enjoyed 'Elton'!

I'll rework with your suggestions and upload a revised Chapter 1, so thanks for those pointers.

Lee :-)

YARG Review

Great dialogue. I love the voices of the birds and their misunderstanding of the Elton situation. I like the way you tell us quite a lot of details about Kookaburras without making it too textbookish. I love Reg – presumably himself named after Mr Dwight? – he gets the best dialogue of all and has a very convincing voice. Your work is well edited and best of all I’ve always liked kookaburras so this is just great. Not too much to correct but here are some of the little things I noticed

APOLOGISED profusely
I’d put - SHOOK wildly up and down,
I think “Slack Creek’s longest resident” is repeated too soon – it’s less abrasive to say Reg
I believe that thoughts should never be put into quotation marks but italics – e.g. ‘Maybe he was having a nervous break-down,’ thought Derek to himself.
gentlemen, Mr Elton John” AND off they go. –delete and
not that it matters but is there the implication that Vince and Reg are gay?
Australia’s finest impersonator of the greatest of God’s GIFTS to this earth.’
‘I still THINK that last egg is smaller than the others,’ – is clearer and avoids a difficult alliteration
rolling it closer FOR HER inspection.
“flaming torch” - confusing as it sounds like he’s got a flaming torch
On the fifth day that mother’s instinct was rewarded; a tiny chip appeared in the top of the strangely-coloured shell. – At this point I felt you should give a sentence or two to describe the progress of the other chicks
but some of her partner’s criticism had hit ITS mark;
hands. Slowly, she began to climb higher and higher, her eyes firmly fixed on the DARK HOLE. – try to avoid repeating short phrases too close to one another.
I had no idea what yabbies were – thanks!
Nice cliffhanger ending.

Really good work – I’ll keep reading and maybe find space on my shelf.

Best wishes
Benedict

YARG Review

Great dialogue. I love the voices of the birds and their misunderstanding of the Elton situation. I like the way you tell us quite a lot of details about Kookaburras without making it too textbookish. I love Reg – presumably himself named after Mr Dwight? – he gets the best dialogue of all and has a very convincing voice. Your work is well edited and best of all I’ve always liked kookaburras so this is just great. Not too much to correct but here are some of the little things I noticed

APOLOGISED profusely
I’d put - SHOOK wildly up and down,
I think “Slack Creek’s longest resident” is repeated too soon – it’s less abrasive to say Reg
I believe that thoughts should never be put into quotation marks but italics – e.g. ‘Maybe he was having a nervous break-down,’ thought Derek to himself.
gentlemen, Mr Elton John” AND off they go. –delete and
not that it matters but is there the implication that Vince and Reg are gay?
Australia’s finest impersonator of the greatest of God’s GIFTS to this earth.’
‘I still THINK that last egg is smaller than the others,’ – is clearer and avoids a difficult alliteration
rolling it closer FOR HER inspection.
“flaming torch” - confusing as it sounds like he’s got a flaming torch
On the fifth day that mother’s instinct was rewarded; a tiny chip appeared in the top of the strangely-coloured shell. – At this point I felt you should give a sentence or two to describe the progress of the other chicks
but some of her partner’s criticism had hit ITS mark;
hands. Slowly, she began to climb higher and higher, her eyes firmly fixed on the DARK HOLE. – try to avoid repeating short phrases too close to one another.
I had no idea what yabbies were – thanks!
Nice cliffhanger ending.

Really good work – I’ll keep reading and maybe find space on my shelf.

Best wishes
Benedict

YARG REVIEW
Hi Lee,
here for our reading swap too.
You write with assurance, ease and humour. I like the switching between the adults and the birds and how one storyline echoes the other. I like the different voices which come through the dialogue. The pace is good and the writing is smooth.
Two teensy, tiny niggles:
(1) the font is a little irritating... I think you'd be better off with a more generic font on Authonomy.
(2) I think my children (9 and 6) would struggle with who Elton John is, even tho we are British!! So many of the jokes would go over their heads. I don't know how you get over that. But it's worth a thought anyway and may put publishers off too. Perhaps put a little more explaination in, or make that part of the joke, that one of the other characters has no idea who he is? I've only read Chp1, so it may not be an issue in the rest of the book.
All the best with this,
I will highly star.
Sharda.

This is a wonderful and very entertaing children story, one that will provide endless laughs from here on out. 6 star all the way.

Thanks for the review, Ian - glad you liked the villains! Thanks for the support and well done on your book too

Lee :-)

Good plot points with the darker villainous pair of magpies Orrapoora and Wallingal, and Elton’s injured wing. Elton’s dive to rescue Orrapoora is an exciting action sequence and well done. The whole Elton idea is very strong, and like his namesake, he’s “different”. Good to see this doing well.

Good plot points with the darker villainous pair of magpies Orrapoora and Wallingal, and Elton’s injured wing. Elton’s dive to rescue Orrapoora is an exciting action sequence and well done. The whole Elton idea is very strong, and like his namesake, he’s “different”. Good to see this doing well.

on my wl. Have a llok at Ache in my heart.

I have enjoyed what I have read so far, not least because I live in Australia with kookaburras in the trees all around me. Keep at it!

Best wishes
Philip John

Hi lee
I've just read the first two chapters and i did so with ease, this is s wonderfully written piece. I loved Reg and his mad rantings and as for the birds, they are well developed characters themselves. I don't know much about the species, but i don't think that matters.
I loved Coreen, her maternal spirit and longing to protect the weaker Elton is really touching.
I will try and read more of this soon, but in the meantime high stars
Eve (blog of Maisy Malone)

Thanks for reading the new uploads! Glad to hear it's had the 'mum's seal of approval'!

Re the dingo confrontation - I'm currently finalising the screenplay for this and that was one of the 'events' that I expanded on with dialogue, as it's all about the visuals!

Dear Lee

I have read most of what is posted here now, including the new chapters you uploaded. Confident writing with buckets of charm and staying power. I did not want to finish. I wonder what my daughter would answer, if I said, "That is all for tonight..."
"Noooo! But what happens??" There is pace here to keep us looking forward. Wonderful characters people your story, imaginatively drawn.

I might suggest that in chapter thirteen when the dingoes are scared away from the mouth of the cave, you give us just a few more lines about the confrontation. The dogs seemed to give in too quickly!

All the best

Fran :-))

Dear Lee

I have read most of what is posted here now, including the new chapters you uploaded. Confident writing with buckets of charm and staying power. I did not want to finish. I wonder what my daughter would answer, if I said, "That is all for tonight..."
"Noooo! But what happens??" There is pace here to keep us looking forward. Wonderful characters people your story, imaginatively drawn.

I might suggest that in chapter thirteen when the dingoes are scared away from the mouth of the cave, you give us just a few more lines about the confrontation. The dogs seemed to give in too quickly!

All the best

Fran :-))

Thanks for the kind comments. I'm glad the humour is appealing to older readers as I've tried to add that appeal to books that can cross over the generations. Cheers, Lee :-)

Hi Lee,

I'm enjoying Elton: The Different Kookaburra.
It's great for a kids and young teens!

I like the reference to Elton John’s real name with Reg. Very clever.

I noticed variety of speech tags, perhaps too great a variety for me (but I don’t often read children’s or YA books, so that might be an attribute in these)

It’s very humorous when the Kookaburra’s don’t understand Reg’s anger and think he’s dancing for them and praising them.

I felt so sorry for little Elton when he heard his father’s words after almost being snatched by Goanna.

I think you've created a good story that people will like. It's funny, entertaining and well written.
I'm pleased that it's available to be purchased so that people beyond this website will be able to enjoy it too.

Cheers,
Adam

Hi Lee,

I'm enjoying Elton: The Different Kookaburra.
It's great for a kids and young teens!

I like the reference to Elton John’s real name with Reg. Very clever.

I noticed variety of speech tags, perhaps too great a variety for me (but I don’t often read children’s or YA books, so that might be an attribute in these)

It’s very humorous when the Kookaburra’s don’t understand Reg’s anger and think he’s dancing for them and praising them.

I felt so sorry for little Elton when he heard his father’s words after almost being snatched by Goanna.

I think you've created a good story that people will like. It's funny, entertaining and well written.
I'm pleased that it's available to be purchased so that people beyond this website will be able to enjoy it too.

Cheers,
Adam

Thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear it can hold someone's attention. For those that get further towards the end of what's uploaded, be warned that it does have a sad turn of events. Don't worry - there IS a happy ending!

Lee :-)

I didn't know what a kookaburra was until I read this book. The title is what hooked me. I thought, what's a kookaburra? And now I know. It's a good book for kids. I have a lot of neices and nephews that would like this, thanks for making me aware of it, and glad to see it is for sale. Too many books on this site aren't for sale, then wen you read them, you can't finish them. GLad this is one I can buy.

I didn't know what a kookaburra was until I read this book. The title is what hooked me. I thought, what's a kookaburra? And now I know. It's a good book for kids. I have a lot of neices and nephews that would like this, thanks for making me aware of it, and glad to see it is for sale. Too many books on this site aren't for sale, then wen you read them, you can't finish them. GLad this is one I can buy.

You're established, so you don't really need me blowing your trumpet for you. Suffice I would read your work to my children and probably enjoy doing so

Hi, thanks for highlighting the query on Ch3. I've taken a look but it's intentional because he's ranting. The repetition is to show how angry he is, but I can see where you are coming from with it so thanks for paying so close attention to the story. Glad that out of 7 chapters that was all you found!

Lee :-)

This is great . I've got to chapter 7 and I am really enjoying it. Apparently publishers are looking for animal based stories now, so someone told me. I hope it's true. I don't think they could do better than this. Top stars and I' ve put it on my watchlist for future backing.
Did notice a typo, a repeat of 'I could have lost everything today' in Ch. 3

Thanks! I'm gonna 'cherry pick' this comment. Who are these publishers, lol - I need to get this book to them! If you get time to keep on reading, I assure you it gets better still (but there is sadness at the end of the portion I've uploaded).

All the best, Lee :-)

This is great . I've got to chapter 7 and I am really enjoying it. Apparently publishers are looking for animal based stories now, so someone told me. I hope it's true. I don't think they could do better than this. Top stars and I' ve put it on my watchlist for future backing.

This is great . I've got to chapter 7 and I am really enjoying it. Apparently publishers are looking for animal based stories now, so someone told me. I hope it's true. I don't think they could do better than this. Top stars and I' ve put it on my watchlist for future backing.
Did notice a typo, a repeat of 'I could have lost everything today' in Ch. 3

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

Love the dialogue, very funny. This is a book the younger members of my family would love to read. It deserves to be starred so I have given it 6.

Love the dialogue, very funny. This is a book the younger members of my family would love to read. It deserves to be starred so I have given it 6.

Thanks for comments - glad you've enjoyed it so far. Re language, I've found it's just about enough for younger readers to follow but not too simple for grown ups to appreciate :-)

Thanks, Lee

Lots of tension and excitement as far as I've read - end of chapter 12.
Since you're already published, any advice doesn't bring about revisions.
However, I will say that since your language is good and strong, you might not need as much as you used. If the book is for kids, you could lose them when you would still get your desired impact with shorter descriptions.
I look forward to comments on my novel, Grow, Edna!

Lots of tension and excitement as far as I've read - end of chapter 12.
Since you're already published, any advice doesn't bring about revisions.
However, I will say that since your language is good and strong, you might not need as much as you used. If the book is for kids, you could lose them when you would still get your desired impact with shorter descriptions.
I look forward to comments on my novel, Grow, Edna!

Hi Raf,

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Being an Aussie, it's good to see you 'get' the unique aspects of Aussie lingo and wildlife etc. I'm also happy to see you've been able to use 'Elton' towards the editing of your book by ways of capturing the audience etc.

All the best, Lee :-)

YARG Review

Lee,

I chose to read this for two very good (and I guess selfish) reasons.

Firstly, I am an Aussie and I have been living abroad for almost 5 years now, yet to return for a visit. So, I always love a shot of Australiana here an there. Reading 'Elton' definitely provided me with this - you do a good job of not only describing Kookaburra life, but allowing the Aussie to shine through too. I would have liked a little more description of the setting and the outback to help this along a little, but that is the adult reader in me talking - I think for your main intended reading age you have done this to a good level.

The second reason I chose to review this was that my own novel is a story told through animals, and I wanted to see what I could take from your writing to apply to my work. Although our target audiences may be slightly different, I was able to pick up a few hints here and there which I may apply to my next edit of my book. So thanks!

I made it through to the end of chapter 4 and could easily keep reading if time allowed. You have already received great exposure in a short time and I can see this continuing. I will star your book well too.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could find some time to have a look at 'J-Town'. As someone who has written a story through the medium of animals, I feel your comments could be very helpful to my work.

Best of luck,

Raf
'J-Town'

Hi Gillian,

Thanks for the YARG review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Good to hear you 'got' the concept that it can also be enjoyed by older readers as it's peppered with humour and mature concepts.

Re the brothers, I've uploaded more chapters that will explain all, as they re-appear later in the book and the start of the book is clarified with regard to their interaction with Elton.

All the best, Lee :-)

YARG

You have achieved that rare combination of a rollicking good story for children that adults will not only enjoy reading but be as keen to find out the ending as thier listeners. Having spent years reading books my daughters loved but bored me rigid I speak from bitter experience.

The characters are well painted, although I felt that the two brothers were a little pale compared to the others. I know that (at least) they are not integral to the story and are foils for Elton. But there is perhaps potential to develop the irritating sibling a little more.

I love your descriptions, "a face like a dog chewing a wasp" is priceless. I'll back you. I think this has real potential and would love to read more.
Gillian

Hello Lee.
This is fun. I know many children who would enjoy your book. It would be a good book to read aloud to a group, I feel. Love Elton, great character with a name that suits. Your descriptions are great, I can see exactly what you are descrbing at times. I wish you luck with this and may try it out on a few children I know. Will advise you of their views should I manage to do that.
Rose

YARG Review

Lee,

I chose to read this for two very good (and I guess selfish) reasons.

Firstly, I am an Aussie and I have been living abroad for almost 5 years now, yet to return for a visit. So, I always love a shot of Australiana here an there. Reading 'Elton' definitely provided me with this - you do a good job of not only describing Kookaburra life, but allowing the Aussie to shine through too. I would have liked a little more description of the setting and the outback to help this along a little, but that is the adult reader in me talking - I think for your main intended reading age you have done this to a good level.

The second reason I chose to review this was that my own novel is a story told through animals, and I wanted to see what I could take from your writing to apply to my work. Although our target audiences may be slightly different, I was able to pick up a few hints here and there which I may apply to my next edit of my book. So thanks!

I made it through to the end of chapter 4 and could easily keep reading if time allowed. You have already received great exposure in a short time and I can see this continuing. I will star your book well too.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could find some time to have a look at 'J-Town'. As someone who has written a story through the medium of animals, I feel your comments could be very helpful to my work.

Best of luck,

Raf
'J-Town'

YARG

You have achieved that rare combination of a rollicking good story for children that adults will not only enjoy reading but be as keen to find out the ending as thier listeners. Having spent years reading books my daughters loved but bored me rigid I speak from bitter experience.

The characters are well painted, although I felt that the two brothers were a little pale compared to the others. I know that (at least) they are not integral to the story and are foils for Elton. But there is perhaps potential to develop the irritating sibling a little more.

I love your descriptions, "a face like a dog chewing a wasp" is priceless. I'll back you. I think this has real potential and would love to read more.
Gillian

I really like your story - the snake and lizard catching with easy conversation, the lovely character of Elton and your description of places which is detailed and clear but not overdone. I don't know your Australian animals so well but you are probably making sure your facts in that regard are correct.
Hurry and write more! I want to know what's coming up. This isn't normal for me. I prefer to write about real people.
Maybe you'd be kind enough to read my story - Grow, Edna - which takes place among humans. You might be surprised and like it!

Love the switching of pov from Reg to Matari and Corren; pure comedy. The misinterpretation of sentiment and behaviour between Reg and the Kookaburras is both funny and sad at the same time. This thread is followed in Chapter 2 when Coreen names her different chick, Elton. Original story-line with familiar themes of family relationships and friendships, which readers can relate to. Brilliant mix of human and kookaburra behaviour; different but similar too at times. Elton: The Different Kookaburra is an entertaining and well-written story, perfectly pitched for its young audience.
Maria (Georgina's Family)

YARG review!
Hi Lee,
Elton: The Different Kookaburra was certainly different. The first chapter was funny and engaging, quickly introducing the characters and defining their personalities. The back-and-forth POV between Reg and the kookaburras was priceless. This book is sure to be a hit with children, but adults would enjoy it too. Nice job!
Noelle

Strange, definately strange. Commercial? I can't tell you. Funny? Definately/

Dianna, if only you were from Pixar! As it happens, I'm currently writing it as a screenplay for animation (about 75% done). I'm hoping that I can make the book a success so that when the call comes, the script is already prepared!

Glad you enjoyed it...you've picked up on all the aspects of the story that I've added to (hopefully) make it unique!

I've got your book already on my WL, so thanks for getting round to mine...I can appreciate how busy everyone is on this site.

Cheers for a great review,

Lee :-)

Lee,

I thoroughly enjoyed Elton: The Different Kookaburra. The story has “Pixar” written all over it. It has the strange and wonderful Australian bush as it‘s setting, a quirky Elton John impersonator to make the audience laugh, a couple of dark creatures to fear and one cute little down-and-outer who we just can’t help but fall in love with.

This is written with all the heart and imagination of Walt Disney himself. Each and every character is drawn in our minds in living color and their real-to-life dialogue brings out that lovely and enviable Australian accent. This is sure to entertain not only the youngsters but anyone who has a soft heart toward the underdog. Highly starred!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

Lee,

I thoroughly enjoyed Elton: The Different Kookaburra. The story has “Pixar” written all over it. It has the strange and wonderful Australian bush as it‘s setting, a quirky Elton John impersonator to make the audience laugh, a couple of dark creatures to fear and one cute little down-and-outer who we just can’t help but fall in love with.

This is written with all the heart and imagination of Walt Disney himself. Each and every character is drawn in our minds in living color and their real-to-life dialogue brings out that lovely and enviable Australian accent. This is sure to entertain not only the youngsters but anyone who has a soft heart toward the underdog. Highly starred!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

I enjoyed the free-flowing dialogue, man to man and bird to bird. The story seems to use narrative and thinking of older children mixed with young children's fascination for animal characters. I'll keep reading.

Judging by the first few chapters of Elton, this is by far the best children’s book for this age group I have read on Autho. The human characters are very believable particularly Reg. He's exactly the sort of eccentric you’d find living in a caravan park in the Australian bush. And then to have him live side by side with a family of kookaburras who want to sing along as well…..

You understand that children are demanding little creatures and won’t put up with being patronised. Even if they don’t pick up on all of the jokes, the adults who read the story to them, will. There is a message in there about difference, but you never let that get in the way of a rollicking good yarn. Highly starred.
Alison (Lambert Nagle)
Revolution Earth

Judging by the first few chapters of Elton, this is by far the best children’s book for this age group I have read on Autho. The human characters are very believable particularly Reg. He's exactly the sort of eccentric you’d find living in a caravan park in the Australian bush. And then to have him live side by side with a family of kookaburras who want to sing along as well…..

You understand that children are demanding little creatures and won’t put up with being patronised. Even if they don’t pick up on all of the jokes, the adults who read the story to them, will. There is a message in there about difference, but you never let that get in the way of a rollicking good yarn. Highly starred.
Alison (Lambert Nagle)
Revolution Earth

very good read - I think the author has very good ideas and should go a long way.
Cannot wait to read the next one which I hope will be in the very near future.

I read chapters 4 and 5.
I could see my children reading this a in a few short years.
You did well capturing the loneliness, sadness, and discomfort of the "different" child. The "odd" one out.
I'm positive many children can relate to Elton: the Different Kookaburra. Perhaps left with a feeling that they aren't alone, in a sense anyway.

Giving you some stars. I really enjoyed what I read.
As for grammatical/spelling errors, nothing to report. This is very well written.

-Aliah
Her Demise

Hi Lee
What a lovely introduction I have had to this website. This is the first book I have chosen to read and I was not dissapointed. Really good characterisation I loved the Elton John impersonator and his tantrums very vivid, comes alive on the page as do the others. Good work, and good luck with it

The story comes alive from the very beginning. The reader immediately engages in life at the trailer park. I enjoy the light and easy flow of your words.
Kathy John

Dear Lee,
What a heartfelt tale! Poor Elton! So vividly portrayed, and no shirking on some of lifes hard lessons.
Good to see in a childrens book. I love how you effortlessley thread information for kids to pick up on!
I see you are quite the artist too! Like Elton himself! The words evoke a living world for me of Elt. and the brave and dangerious outside he must face!
Elton rocks!