Simmo

They'll Never Hold Me

In 1959, Australians thrilled to every move made by a new criminal underdog, a Ned Kelly for the rock'n'roll era. Kevin John Simmonds was a charismatic crook whose brazen crime spree had scored him a lengthy prison sentence. But as he was led from court, he boasted, 'They'll never hold me.' Two months later, Simmo made good on his promise, staging a daring escape from Long Bay Gaol. When his bid for freedom took a deadly turn, legendary Detective Ray 'the Gunner' Kelly took charge of the search, putting the fugitive in the crosshairs of the biggest armed manhunt in Australian history. They'll Never Hold Me is the true story of an antihero with a code of honour who captured the public's hearts and minds even as he enraged the cops and the establishment. Brilliantly researched and written by Michael Adams, of the Forgotten Australia podcast, this never-before-told tale takes us beyond the public adventures that made Simmo into Public Enemy No. 1 to reveal the haunting tragedies he was trying to outrun - and the terrible fate that even he might not escape.

You'll Die Laughing

Eliza Vanda's Button Box

From the author of the award-winning His Name was Walter comes another magical mystery story that will delight Emily Rodda fans. Buttons three, attend to me! Take me where I want to be! No one saw Eliza Vanda arrive in Tidgy Bay that rainy winter afternoon. The sign advertising 'Cabins for Rent' was almost hidden by a pile of builder's rubble, but Eliza Vanda didn't seem at all put out by the mess. 'This is a nice little pocket,' she said. 'It should suit us very well.' Life hasn't been much fun for Milly Dynes lately. There seem to be problems everywhere she looks. She's always loved her home in Tidgy Bay, but at the moment she wishes she was somewhere - anywhere - else. Then Eliza Vanda turns up - and magic comes with her ... A Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book in 2022, this sparkling fantasy adventure from Emily Rodda is a book to be cherished. AWARDS FOR HIS NAME WAS WALTER: Winner - 2019 Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Children's Literature) Winner - 2019 Australian Book Design Awards (Children's Fiction Book) Winner - 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Awards (Younger Readers) Shortlisted - 2019 Davitt Awards (Children's) Shortlisted - 2019 QLD Literary Awards (Griffith University Children's Book Award) Shortlisted - 2018 Aurealis Awards (Best Young Adult Novel) PRAISE FOR HIS NAME WAS WALTER: 'Another magnificent book from Emily Rodda' - Readings 'guaranteed to capture the imaginations of 8+ mystery lovers' - Better Reading