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  • Published: 26 February 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143506003
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

Why I Love Footy

from the author of Dirt by Sea




A perfect picture book for families and footy fans of all colours.

PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR NOTABLE TITLE, CBCA 2016


There are a bazillion reasons to love footy! These are just my biggest ones…

There's the big tackles and amazing marks. There's wearing the scarf and singing the song. But whether your team wins or loses, from the opening bounce to the final siren, the very best thing about footy is that we do it together.

An ode to a uniquely Australian experience and the joy of family and friends.

  • Published: 26 February 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143506003
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

About the authors

Michael Wagner

Michael Wagner is a children's author, speaker and storyteller. He writes for early childhood and for older children, and runs the publishing venture Billy Goat Books. Some of his most-loved picture books include Why I Love Footy, Why I love Summer and Dirt by Sea illustrated by Tom Jellett.
Prior to becoming a children's author, Michael played in a band that almost became famous, spent ten years working as a radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced award-winning animation for television, and wrote and performed comedy.

Tom Jellett

Tom Jellett is an Australian book and editorial illustrator based in Sydney. Some of his work includes the Sporty Kids and The Besties series written by Felice Arena, Grandpa's Big Adventure and Grandpa's Space Adventure written by Paul Newman, his picture books with Justine Clarke and Arthur Baysting, The Gobbledygook is Eating a Book and The Gobbledygook and the Scribbledynoodle, and his acclaimed picture books with Michael Wagner Why I Love Footy, Why I Love Summer and Dirt by Sea.
His work can also be seen in a number of magazines and newspapers.

Praise for Why I Love Footy

Why I Love Footy (is) a celebration of the great Australian (or Melbourne) winter obsession. It celebrates fun and togetherness… The illustrator and author have also used visual references to this book in the new one from this pair, Why I Love Summer. See if you can spot them!

Beth Dolan, Magpies

Awards & recognition

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2016  •  Picture Book