The Backyard Games

The Backyard Games

by Alister Nicholson

Illustrated by Tom Jellett

Published by Allen & Unwin Children's Books
ISBN 9781761180927

The Backyard Games is a terrific, colourfully illustrated, summer fun inspiring picture book for ages 4 - 8 years a good companion book to Backyard Tennis

The ideas for getting together with neighbourhood friends and deciding what to play over the summer holidays are ideal for those I'm bored moments during the long summer holidays,.

On the opening pages are short paragraphs showing the history for several sports, including the Olympics, and famous players such as John Landy, Anna Meares, Cathy Freeman, Super Sail and a few others.

The story begins with a glorious day for the backyard games and a big box of sports equipment coming out for everyone to wants to play in the backyard. There is so much to choose from as our storyteller jumps on his bike to go fetch his mates to join in the fun. All set for a big day of fun and games, each participant adopts the name of a famous athlete like Thorpey, Pearson or Cathy. There is even an opening ceremony and everyone regardless of their abilities is included.

Who is up for archery or running and will mother join in? Or weightlifting making up your own weights with empty paint cans and a broom. If you are not participating in a particular sport, well that's fine, you are part of the audience and cheering squad.

This is a must have inspiring book by one of Australia's best-known radio and TV sports commentators.

The Author

Alister Nicholson is one of Australia's best-known radio and TV sports commentators. He is a leading voice on Channel Seven's AFL and cricket coverage and has commentated many of the biggest sporting events in the world, including the Summer and Winter Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, AFL Grand Finals and Test cricket. Alister grew up in Penguin on the north-west coast of Tasmania and began his broadcasting career on ABC Radio. His first children's book, Cricket, I Just Love It!, was published in 2021.

The illustrator

Tom Jellett has illustrated a number of books for children including Whale in the Bath by Kylie Westaway, The Gobbledygook is Eating a Book by Justine Clarke and Arthur Baysting, and My Dad Thinks He's Funny by Katrina Germein. Tom has also been an editorial illustrator for News Limited and been included in the Editorial and Book category for Illustrators 53, exhibited at the Society of Illustrators, New York in 2011 and 2013

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