Up To Something

One day, Dad invites Billy into his shed to build something, but Billy soon finds out that he is only allowed to watch. As Dad becomes engrossed in his project, Billy takes Dad’s off-cuts and other items from around the yard and shed and starts to copy what his Dad is building. Dad remains blissfully unaware!

At the end of the day, they reveal their creations — two very different racing carts — and Dad discovers that Billy has more skills and abilities than his dad had ever imagined! Joining forces, Dad and Billy set out as a team to build a cart together — the best one yet — and enter the upcoming local cart race.

Up to Something beautifully explores the father–son relationship, and how they can bond while doing things together that they both love, as well as touching on the power of imagination and creativity, and the satisfaction to be gained from recycling and making things ourselves.

About the Author

Katrina McKelvey is a children’s author with over ten years primary school teaching experience. She is highly involved in the Children’s Book Council of Australia, is an advisor and participant in literary conferences and festivals, and enthusiastically spreads her love of reading at regular school visits.

About the Illustrator

Kirrili Lonergan is a children’s book illustrator and mother of four. She has illustrated several picture books (Lessons of a LAC, Perfect Petunias, Brave, Grey-glasses-itis and Dandelions) as well as created designs for clothes, prints and pottery. She is the co-creator of the Lessons of a LAC school visit sessions and is currently completing her Diploma in Art Therapy. She is passionate about children’s needs due to her former years working as a pediatric nurse.

Kirrili is an active committee member for the CBCA Newcastle Sub-branch and a regular volunteer for Books4Outback.