Maxi Roo Is Just Like You! follows a young kangaroo exploring the world around him who discovers friendship, adventure, and the joys of being a part of nature. What was the inspiration for your story?

In 2022, I took two orphaned kangaroo joeys into care. While watching them grow up I was soon referring to them as “little people in fur coats”.  I couldn’t get over how distinct their personalities were just like ours. I found their curiosity, love of play, communication styles, sincerity, love of me and each other all very human.  Maybe in part because they are standing up most of the time, the way we do and they use their hands, the way we do.  But to know a kangaroo is different from any other animal I have ever been in contact with. Unfortunately here in Australia, much of the population has never gotten to know how truly special these beautiful animals are.  

While walking around my property with these two baby kangaroos following me around, showing off for each other, hopping off and then rushing back to me to hear me tell them how proud I was of them before running off again I wondered if maybe there was a way to educate young people about the specialness of kangaroos through a bedtime book.  

I had recently turned my focus into becoming a Wildlife Conservation Artist, so an illustrated children’s book seemed to be a natural fit. Having now done book readings followed by kangaroo Q&A sessions in schools, I am delighted to see it all coming to fruition.  

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I wanted to get the details right.  

• Yes, a young joey’s first solid food is DIRT! And even as adults, if their tummy is upset, they eat dirt.  The natural organisms in dirt establish their gut flora. 
• Joeys first best friend is their mother, then later they form a strong friendship with a buddy (especially the boys) but they are mob animals, they love to love and they hate being all alone.  So when a kangaroo looses its mother or its buddy this can be absolutely devastating. 
• They hate the wind, it’s more stressful than any other weather events. 
• And I wanted my illustrations to depict actual kangaroos, not an anthropomorphic cartoon. 

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

Max’s morning routine – he always loved a good stretch, belly scratch, a fart and a poo.  Totally true and I knew kids would relate to that. 

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Yes it is the first book in a series.  I am currently working on Indie Roo Is a Mother Too! and plan to have that out before Christmas this year. 

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