Fiction by Di Bates

FICTION BY DI BATES

The Hold-up Heroes

Polly and James accidentally overhear a gang of bushrangers plotting to hold up the Governor. Their first thought is to tell their parents and become heroes for saving the day. But then they find out their dad might be helping the bushrangers! This fictional book, commissioned by the National Museum of Australia, was inspired by Australia's oldest gentlemen's coach held in the museum's collection.

Fangs
(illustrated by Kevin Burgemeestre)

David's mum has a new boyfriend who he's nicknamed Fangs. The only problem is that he reminds David of Dracula. Based on a story of when Di's daughter Claire was young and she had a strange ritual when preparing to go to bed.

Urgent Delivery
(illustrated by Chris Norris)

Andrew is only twelve and he's about to go on the ride of his life! His mum is about to have a baby on the back seat of the car - and Andrew's at the wheel! Trouble is, the cops are after them!

Crash Landing
(illustrated by Elizabeth Alger)

Marco is flying interstate heading to an important swim meet with his school swimming squad. But Marco is scared. His gut is turning over, his heart is thumping hard. His hands and feet are cold and sweaty. He's convinced the plane is going to crash…

Carl's Café
(illustrated by Terry Denton)

Lizzie's twin brother, Carl, is crazy about cooking. They set up Carl's Café in their cubbyhouse with their friends. But what exactly does Carl use to make the spaghetti bolognaise for lunch? Is it any wonder everyone finishes up having a spaghetti fight?

The Last Refuge,
novel (Hodder Headline, 1996)

Mitch is thirteen years old and life can't get much tougher. When her dad drinks too much he takes his anger out on the family - with his fists. To make matters worse, Mitch's mum refuses to leave. Then one day things finally go too far. Mitch is badly hurt and her mum decides it's time to get away. Will they ever find a safe refuge away from their father? And can they ever leave behind the painful memories? A fictional work based in part on the author's childhood experiences.

Supermouth ('95)

When Grandpa accidentally superglues his teeth together, his grandson decides that something needs to be done. The results are unexpected. A riot occurs in the Social Security office, a hand turns into a face, the police are called and television cameras roll.

Getting Even ('96)

Problems start when Linda's older brother, Justin, stops being a slob. Bathroom battles and a disasterous dinner date lead to a family fight that gets worse and worse. Is it possbile to forgive a sister who ruins your football career, or a brother who takes revenge in a very mean way?

My Other Mother

At Dad's wedding, Matt eats too much ice cream and throws up on his Great-Aunt Bess. But that's no problem. The big problem is that Dad and Jenny are on their honeymoon. Matt's staying with Gran. She is kind but is Dad ever going to come home? And is Jenny going to be a wicked stepmother? What if she makes him eat dirt or, even worse, green peas?

In Big Big Trouble

Victoria Rigby is in big trouble. Her report card stinks. It's just awful! She promised to do her chores. But her room looks like a junk yard. Her homework hasn't been done. She's forgotten to bring the washing in and it's raining. Now Mum's arrived home from work. She's going to be mad. What's a kid to do? There's no escape...or is there?

The Bogeyman in the Garden

When Lauren and Emily finish building a cubby in the back garden, they think it might be great fun to sleep in it overnight. Snuggled in their sleeping bags, the torch glowing warmly... "What's that? Who's there?" Is there a bogeyman in the garden? Or...?

The Trouble With Parents

Open Day at school is just around the corner. Twins Craig and Sarah are really excited until they realise their parents aren't coming. They feel like orphans and all alone, especially when good old Mrs Butler from next door can't come or Aunty Lyn or Uncle Peter. How can Sarah present the welcoming speech when she feels so disappointed? Doesn't anyone care?

Troublemaker

Katy Hassell is always in the trouble. If you had great big stick-out ears and kids called you Satellite Dish or Dumbo, well, you'd fight back wouldn't you? One day Katy goes just a bit too far: she tells a teacher to 'grow a brain'! Boy, is she in Big Trouble!

Promise Not To Laugh
(HarperCollins, 1997: Shivers series, ed Paul Collins)

Everyone knows a loner at school. That kid who wants to be left alone. Karen is a loner, but she most definitely doesn't get left alone. Then again, neither do the kids who taunt her. As the story begins: 'The killings occurred during the recess break, right in front of the whole school. Five students lay dead...' Karen doesn't deny her part in the murders, but her motive is so peculiar, no-one can believe her.

Rotten Rellies ('96)

A dead bat in the freezer, peanut butter and honey sandwiches on the floor, a bedroom which looks like a pigsty... they don't bother Anthony Marks, but his mum has gone ballistic! What can Anthony do to satisfy his fussy mum? Nothing comes to mind until the rellies come to visit.

Kings of the Creek (Rigby, 2001)

“The creek behind the house was always ours until the Pappas family came along. Then things began to change…” In this story, two families learn to work together to care for their environment.

NON-FICTION

The Funnies (Rigby Heinemann, 1993)

Would you like to draw your own cartoons and comic strips? All you need to get started is a sharp pencil, a piece of blank paper and this book, which shows you how you can easily create your own comic characters.

Resourceful Kids (Rigby, 1997)

Many children help at home. Some children care for the environment. Others help in their communities, or try to change the world around them. Resourceful Kids looks at children who are kind, helpful, capable and brave. Together, they help to make our world a better place.

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