Ella and the Useless Day

A heartwarming picture book about community, sustainability and how one neighbour’s rubbish is another’s treasure.

Ella’s house is full of things . . . useless things! At least that’s what she and Dad think. But when they decide to have a clean-up day, something very curious happens. Maybe what is useless to them is treasure to someone else?

About the Author

Meg McKinlay is the author of over 20 books ranging from picture books and young adult fiction through to poetry for adults. Her books for Walker include How to Make a Bird illustrated by Matt Ottley, which won the CBCA Book of the Year 2021, and Duck! illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom. Raised in central Victoria, Australia, in a TV- and car-free household, Meg was a bookish kid, in love with words and excited by dictionaries. On the long and winding path to becoming a children's writer, she has worked a variety of jobs including swim instructor, tour guide, translator and teacher. Meg is now a full-time writer and lives near the ocean in Fremantle, Western Australia, where she is always busy cooking up more books.

About the Illustrator

Karen Blair grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She loves to illustrate the joys and adventures of childhood. She lives in Fremantle with her husband and two children and works part-time as a primary-school art teacher. Her characters are often inspired by her students and her own children. Her award-winning books include Something Wonderful and Hello From Nowhere both by Raewyn Caisley, With Nan by Tania Cox, Granny Grommet and Me by Dianne Wolfer, Me and You by Deborah Kelly, Baby Beats, and Baby Animal Farm.