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Deborah Frenkel is a Melbourne-based writer of everything from books to billboards and even the words on the back of cereal boxes. Her writing for children includes picture books about nature, imagination, and different kinds of belonging. As a child Danny Snell was a reluctant reader, so it was pictures rather than words that drew him to the wonder of books. Danny went on to study graphic design and illustration at the University of South Australia and he now works as a picture book illustrator and author. His books have won a number of awards including the CBCA Eve Pownall Award, the Environment Award for Children's Literature, and the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award. Danny lives in Adelaide with his partner, his two daughters and a sleepy old cat. And yes, he loves to read.
'At a time when the world is in turmoil, much of it due to ignorance, intolerance and bigotry, there could not be a more timely choice for a book that will bring children right across the country together, in a glorious celebration and a move towards greater acceptance and empathy. [Truck driver] Yacoub is, like many others, an immigrant and feels the distance between both his homeland and his adopted land heavily, given the barriers of distance and language and customs. Meeting Mari, who has rescued his precious [cat] friend Tinka, is like a renewal of spirit for Yacoub. It is not just a connection with his old life but an invitation to a new one, one that will embrace not only his adopted country but create an entire new identity for him, with a family and home. My biggest commendation to ALIA for this choice and my total admiration to both creators, Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell, who have given us this very special book.' – Sue Warren, Just So Stories
