Lawrey Goodrick
Official Site of
Author & Illustrator
Books
MEERKAT IN THE LIBRARY
(paperback)
MEERKAT IN THE LIBRARY
(hardcover)
In the Press...
Cans for Change
‘There is something about the story of Cans for Change that pulls at the emotions, by the end of the story, and in between that strikes a balance of humour and smart use of similes with entertaining illustrations complementing it. Loving how it talks about the habits of recycling as well.’
Chermaine Er,
Reviewer
'This book doesn't stop, it is just go go GO right from the start, and I promise that not you nor your kids will be able to see where it ends.'
N Delgado,
Goodreads Reviewer
'Five stars. A comedic middle-grade fiction with a big message for our earth.'
Darci Robbins,
Reviewer
‘So much inspiration comes from Cans for Change for lessons in the classroom. It has much to offer in a cross-curriculum approach integrating English, the Arts, Civics and Citizenship, and Health and Physical Education too.
The comedy in the narrative allows the young reader to relax, respond and get comfortable with discussing the themes of identity and mental health.’
Wendy Edmonds,
Teacher and Guidance Officer,
Bachelor of Drama,
Bachelor of Education (UniSQ),
Master of Education specialising in Guidance and Counselling (UniSQ)
'What a wonderful addition to the junior fiction library! My 9 and 11 year old love Cans for Change for its cheeky humor, rollicking energy, and playful illustrations. Goodrick makes reading fun again!'
L.E. Daniels,
Awarded Editor, Poet,
and Author
'Lawrey Goodrick’s Cans for Change explores the cost of pride and identity, through a son’s honest account of himself coming to terms with his father’s ‘recycling obsession’. Goodrick’s descriptive writing style and use of humour accomplishes a story that both emerging adults and adults will enjoy.'
Ngaire McLoughlin, Visual Designer
'The pictures are funny, and the writing is quite original. We love all the car-related similes, and my son loves that a police officer follows his car with a megaphone.'
Carolyn Martinez,
Publisher
'The hilarious tale of a father-son duo who journey through the streets of Brisbane on a quest to exchange containers at any cost.'
Edward Hudswell,
Editor
'Oh my God, this is hilarious. I’m laughing my head off.'
Lynette Hammond,
Reviewer.
Half-life: The AA Battery Adventure
'A STEM program’s dream book! The circuitry of electrical imagery, historical hat-tips, and scientific insights serve up a finely-woven narrative against an emotional coming-of-age tale. A marvellous read for students and teachers alike!’
L.E. Daniels,
Awarded Editor,
Poet,
and Author
'Given that Science as Human Endeavour forms one of the key components of scientific literacy in the Australian National Curriculum, teachers could use this book as a cross curriculum link between Science and English for upper primary school students with its environmental link hard to miss.’
Sharon Williams,
Specialist Science Teacher, BAppSc(Biotech)Hons,
BEd,
GradDipDiv
‘21st century humans take electricity - in all its varied forms and packaging - for granted, so it's refreshing to read Goodrick's take on the world from the perspective of a sentient rechargeable battery. Full of puns and historical anecdotes (and really nifty chapter headings!), Half Life will make you never think of batteries as disposable again!’
Eileen O’Hely,
Author,
Astrophysicist,
Science Communicator
‘A witty, lyrical journey across the circuit boards of life. Perfect for sparking discussions about relationships and self-discovery through the eyes of a discarded AA battery, searching for his meaningful place in the world.’
Jenny Catalano,
Children’s Author
and Illustrator
‘Brilliantly imaginative, mixing humour, adventure, and existential musings through the unlikely perspective of its battery protagonist, Half. The writing is sharp, clever, and full of wit, and the illustrations complement the story with a comic-strip flair. An original premise and delightful look at how we're never too small for big dreams.’
Jamie Michele,
Reader's Favorite Reviewer
'STEM-tastic!
Science meets soul in this unforgettable adventure. Goodrick blends science and storytelling so beautifully you forget you’re learning until your brain feels bigger!
And the ending...
tissues may be required.
The puns are hilarious and the themes of climate change and battery recycling are timely and important.
I will never look at a battery the same way again.'
Caroline Jones,
Author
‘Lawrey Goodrick does it again! An original story with a sustainability theme that is presented in an entertaining, thought-provoking and educational way. His ideas are out of this world yet he makes the impossible possible. It was the most entertaining history lesson ever.’
Wendy Edmonds,
Teacher and Guidance Officer,
Bachelor of Drama,
Bachelor of Education (UniSQ),
Master of Education specialising in Guidance and Counselling (UniSQ)
‘A delightfully humorous, informative, creative, quirky, unique exploration of the world of energy, batteries and science. Replete with numerous puns and humorous graphics on scientific terms, equations, theories, people, and practicalities, it is a coming-of-age story loaded with drama, first love, and taut family relations.’
Peter Long,
QDAH, BA, MEd, EdD, Author educator
Meerkat in the Library
'A heartfelt and meaningful story. The detailed art and witty references made me laugh, even as Lawrey’s gentle blend of humour and sadness through gorgeous verse revealed the deeper meaning of what disappears when digital education replaces teacher‑librarians. Children lose the magic of stepping into a library, and we lose the guardians who make that magic possible. Such an important book: a call to honour and protect our teacher‑librarians, the quiet heroes of learning.'
Caroline Jones,
Author
'Very clever pictures.'
Eileen O’Hely,
Author,
Astrophysicist,
Science Communicator
'It's about a sad Meerkat who dislikes technology, but loves books!
All they want is kids to read happily, but no one sees the mystery animal but in the end they all read together, I liked trying to find the sneaky Meerkat in the pages.'
'Meerkat in the Library by Lawrey Goodrick is an enchanting children’s picture book with an adorable ending and key message. Its gentle rhythm and rhyme are best experienced as a slowly read, dramatic recitation. When orally presented with expressive delivery and time to dwell on each intentional illustration, the work will linger in the mind for days after one’s initial encounter.'
Sharon Williams,
Specialist Science Teacher, BAppSc(Biotech)Hons,
BEd, GradDipDiv
Gianna,
8-years-old
'Once again Lawrey delivers us heartfelt messages through whimsy words and colour washed hand-made art!
Reminiscent of the Meerkats tight knit support system in the wild, so is the teacher librarian community always nurturing, looking out for others and building relationships with children through the love of literacy. Meerkat in the Library picture book is a good foundation and homage to the disappearing and much needed role in our schools. This story has great depth while being fun and clever.'
Jenny Catalano,
Children's Author and Illustrator.
Contact
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