I have written, illustrated, and self-published two children’s books (a third is on the way). The first book was ‘In Pop’s Garden’, and the second is ‘The Frog Hotel’. Below, I share a little about each book.
How to order
Both children’s books are available to order directly from me. To order, please email me at drmelhyde@gmail.com or direct message me on social media or purchase via my Etsy Shop.
Other stockists for my books include the Museum of Brisbane Shop, Red Poppy Art Collective, Rendezvous at Dayboro, Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, and Bribie Island Seaside Museum.
You can also check your local library. If my books are not available, please feel free to request them at your local library.
In Pop’s Garden
Come on an adventure as we explore Pop’s garden. Colourful birds, tasty treats, and vegetable thieves! There are amazing things to be found in Pop’s garden and in your own backyard!
In Pop’s Garden is my first self-published children’s book. I wrote and illustrated this book in honour of my Dad (also known as ‘Pop’) who has always created such beautiful green and organic spaces for us to enjoy. Pop’s garden produces the best vegetables I have ever tasted and it attracts a great variety of wildlife, including all of the characters you will meet in my book. In some ways, and as unbelievable as it may seem, this book is a true story because every experience (and more!) has happened in Pop’s garden.
In writing and illustrating this book, I also wanted to show the beauty of Australian nature that is literally on our doorstep. I hope in sharing this book, I can spark young imaginations, encourage positive and caring connections with nature, and inspire adventures to see what amazing things can be found in the back yard.
‘In Pop’s Garden’ is perfect for reading together with a child and for young readers aged 3+ years.
ISBN 978-0-6455051-0-8 Paperback format. Price AUD $20 (postage not included).
The Frog Hotel
Fergus the Australian Green Tree Frog was chased from his home and now he is lost! Fergus must find a new place to sleep before the sun goes down. Will this frog explorer find his way home?
‘The Frog Hotel’ is my second self-published children’s book. The story was inspired by true events. A very big green tree frog often visits us at dusk. He sits on the gutter of our roof and then leaps into the trees and down to the ground. One day, I saw our tree frog being chased by a snake, then swooped by a pied butcherbird as he tried to escape. In his fright, he jumped over our rock wall. I wondered how he would find his way back. I also wondered why, despite building the most fantastic frog hotel, we never had any frog visitors. I checked the hotel every day for a year, and never saw a frog. I wondered if the frogs thought there were no vacancies!
In writing and illustrating this book, I wanted to introduce young minds to the idea that frogs are cool, and they like to rest and live in all kinds of places. I also wanted to show that being a green tree frog isn’t always easy, and encourage the addition of more frog-friendly spaces (and hotels!) to our back yards.
‘The Frog Hotel’ is perfect for reading together with a child and for young readers aged 4+ years.
ISBN 978-0-6455051-1-5 Paperback format. Price AUD $20 (postage not included).