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  • Published: 2 June 2020
  • ISBN: 9781760897734
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

Hello from Nowhere




A moving celebration of the Australian outback and the special connection between grandparent and grandchild.

Eve thought that living in the middle of nowhere was better than living anywhere else in the world . . . Only one thing made Eve sad. She hadn't seen Nan since they left the city long ago.

Eve lives in a roadhouse in the middle of the Nullarbor and when her Nan visits one day, Eve shows her all the things that are special about where she lives.

A moving celebration of the Australian outback and the special connection between grandparent and grandchild.

  • Published: 2 June 2020
  • ISBN: 9781760897734
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

About the authors

Karen Blair

Karen grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She loves to create picture books that celebrate the joys and adventures of childhood. She lives in Fremantle with her husband, two children and a little dog called Dobby, who keeps her company in the studio. Karen’s award-winning books include Something Wonderful and Hello From Nowhere by Raewyn Caisley, With Nan by Tania Cox, Granny Grommet and Me by Dianne Wolfer, Me and You by Deborah Kelly, Train Party, Baby Beats and Baby Animal Farm.

Raewyn Caisley

Raewyn Caisley was born in New Zealand but has lived in Australia, in Fremantle, WA, for more than half her life, with her husband Terry and their son Jack. Raewyn is the author of books for younger readers that include bestselling Aussie Bites and Nibbles titles, and the picture books Hello From Nowhere and Something Wonderful. Hello From Nowhere won the 2015 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Australia and New Zealand, was shortlisted for the 2016 Adelaide Festival Awards and the WA Premier's Book Awards, and was a CBCA Notable Book in 2015. Something Wonderful was short-listed for the Patricia Wrightson Prize for children's Literature, won the 2016 Speech Pathology Australia book of the Year Award, and was a 2017 CBCA Notable Book.

Praise for Hello from Nowhere

This is a children's book that makes you want to live within its pages. Hello from Nowhere is about Eve, a little girl who lives in the country. Her home is a place that some adults write off as being dull, specifically her Nan who won't visit. Eve finds joy in the simplest of things — lying ona warm flat rock, a bobtail lizard and just having the time to run. When Nan does visit she is surprised by what she learns. Sometimes the perspective of a child reminds us of what is precious in our lives.

The West Australian

This is a uniquely Australian book, celebrating as it does what makes the outback so special. But it's also a moving look at the bond between grandparent and grandchild. Heart-warming.

Kids' Book Review

Hello From Nowhere is a lovely story about the magic, importance and character of Australia's outback. . . Classically Australian and a lovely story of the bond between a girl and her grandmother, this story offers kids some great insight into life outside of the big smoke – where magic abounds. The detailed and thoughtful illustrations of Hello From Nowhere pull children and parents right into a place of red dust and star-filled nights.

Review Zoo

'Raewyn Caisley and Karen Blair have created the most endearing child protagonist I have met this year in their fabulous picture book Hello From Nowhere. Raewyn Caisley's enthusiasm and appreciation of the Australian outback oozes out of this great story. My children and I enjoyed the way Eve, the main character, interacted with her wonderful surroundings. We had a glimpse of how interesting a roadhouse can be. It was very empowering to see Eve come up with an idea of how to get her Nan to visit, and it was heartwarming when Eve shows her Nan how special it is to live in the middle of nowhere. Karen Blair has done an amazing job in bringing ALL the characters to life. Her illustrations are fun, appealing, and full of emotion. Whether it's sharing a laugh, sharing a magical moment or sharing a hug, this relationship between grandmother and granddaughter is beautifully presented. This picture book would make a great gift and would be a lovely addition to children's libraries (I have already given a copy to our school library!).

Kids Review Crew

Awards & recognition

SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Australia and New Zealand

Winner  •  2015  •  SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Australia and New Zealand

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2015  •  Picture Book

Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature

Shortlisted  •  2016  •  Children's Literature

WA Premier's Book Awards

Shortlisted  •  2016  •  Children's Books

WAYBRA Children's Choice Awards

Shortlisted  •  2016  •  Picture Books

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