Let's Build a Backyard

Imagine designing and building your very own backyard! Written by real-life engineer and CBCA-Notable author Mike Lucas, and illustrated by NZ favourite, Daron Parton.

Originally from the UK, Mike moved with his family to Adelaide in 2010. He started his writing career writing funny poetry anthologies and visiting schools and libraries to encourage children to create their own silly rhymes. He has had work published in various magazines and anthologies. Mike's first picture book, Olivia's Voice, was a 2018 CBCA Awards Notable book, followed by Vanishing, Let's Build a House and Let's Build a Backyard. As well as being a writer, Mike also owns a bookshop in Adelaide, Shakespeare's Bookshop in Blackwood. In 2017, he was the lead organiser of the first ever Adelaide Festival of Children's Books. For five days a week Mike works as an engineer and has very little time for sleep. Award-winning New Zealand illustrator Daron Parton was born in the UK, married a Kiwi and moved to New Zealand in 1995. He has been working as an illustrator since 1990 and is also an illustration tutor at Auckland University of Technology. Daron's books include The Ultimate Survival Guide to Monsters Under Your Bed, A Crocodile in the Family, Let's Build a House, Snake Brought Cake and Let's Build a Backyard.