Tearaway Coach

This new book from Neridah McMullin, exploring the thrills and terror of riding on a coach in the nineteenth century and the dangers that come with it. The story, shown through Fenton’s eyes and experiences, is high stakes and exciting, taking readers aged four and over on an epic journey in a mode of transport that many readers will never have seen or heard of before, and in doing so, Neridah has brought history to life again. * Ashleigh Meikle *This is a near-perfect picture book with a rollicking story of a Cobb & Co coach journey told in a most engaging way, and outstanding illustrations that provide a convincing picture of the 1850s and the speed and beauty of the horses… As always with Walker Books, the design and attention to detail is impressive. * Reading Time *Informative and eventful, this historical journey brings to life a different way to travel. * Magpies *

Neridah McMullin loves animals, true stories and history. An author of twelve books for children, Neridah is also an award-winning short story writer and poet. Her middle-grade fiction novel Evie and Rhino was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year in 2023, shortlisted for the Readings Prize and won the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year for Younger Readers. Her picture books Drover, Shearer and Tearaway Coach, set during the Victorian gold rush, were published to great acclaim. Her picture book Eat my Dust was a CBCA Notable in 2024. Neridah believes she was born at least 100 years too late. She loves old books, old people and local historical societies. She also loves footy, family, walking her dog and meeting other people’s dogs.

Andrew McLean grew up in the Victorian country town of Bairnsdale. He trained as a painter and teacher, and taught in secondary schools before becoming a lecturer in painting and drawing at Caulfield Institute of Technology. He has been a full-time artist now for more than thirty years. Andrew and his wife Janet have created many picture books together, and Andrew also illustrates books written by other authors. Many of his books have been award winners: he has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award three times.