1
of
1
Backyard Footy
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 15 ratings, 3 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Hardback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Backyard Footy. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Latest News
The Book Briefing 21/10/2026
Welcome back to another edition of 'The Book Briefing', your weekly round-up of all the...
Story to Screen - 21/10/26
It's been another huge week in the world of book-to-screen adaptations! From record-breaking trailers and...
Things We Learned from an Evening with Alice Oseman
Liam and Lizzy went along to an evening with Alice Oseman of Heartstopper! Here are...
The Book Hero Team's Wins and Misses in Film and TV Adaptations
We all love arguing in a mostly good-natured way about which adaptations of our favourite...
Vanya Insull (aka VJ Cooks) visits Book Hero
We were lucky to have a visit from popular foodie, home cook and baker Vanya...
See moreThe first book in a joyful black&write!-winning picture book series that follows a cast of footy-crazy kids as they hop through the backyards of their neighbourhood in the Kimberley, collecting equipment and friends to play with as they go.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Jy is playing football alone in his small backyard in the Kimberley, but when he accidentally kicks the ball over the fence, a footy adventure begins! Footy by yourself is fun, but playing with mates is better.
The first title in a joyful black&write! Fellowship-winning series, where the fun only grows with family and friends!
Praise for Backyard Footy
'There's a real sense of energy and fun to this upbeat children's picture book by Jaru/Kija kids' author Carl Merrison.' The West Australian
'Hits the mark with its complete joy for the game and, even better, for its spirit of mateship.' Books+Publishing
'A superb energy flows through Backyard Footy . . . When the punchline comes, it's very easy to agree: "Footy by yourself is fun, but playing with mates is better."' South Sydney Herald
'Joyful . . . Merrison's belief in and commitment to fostering community and kids' wellbeing shines through on every page of this latest big-hearted adventure. Backyard Footy is a precious picture book that conveys a simple but vital message . . . A heartwarming and immersive read for any young reader.' Better Reading
'A vibrant, fast-paced picture book . . . A very enjoyable read.' ReadPlus
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780734421517
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 31 May 2023
Country: Australia
Imprint: Lothian Books
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Samantha Campbell
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 253.0mm
Height: 256.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 32
About the Author
Carl Merrison (Author)
Carl Merrison is a respected Jaru/Kija man from the Halls Creek area who came WA runner up Australian of the Year - Local Hero in 2016. He has worked for over ten years alongside Aboriginal youth as a mentor and coach. Carl was the winner of the black&write! Fellowship in 2020 for his young readers' series Backyard Sports, and his debut picture book, My Deadly Boots, was shortlisted in the Queensland Literary Awards 2023 and the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards 2023.Samantha Campbell (Illustrator) Samantha Campbell grew up in the Northern Territory and lives in Darwin. She is descended from the Dagoman people from Katherine and as a child lived in remote communities across the Top End. Her first book, Alfred's War, written by Rachel Bin Salleh, was shortlisted for the Premier's Literary Awards and the Speech Pathology Awards. She is currently illustrating her fifth children's book.Also by Carl Merrison
View all-
Ngurra Home
We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. The second book, Dirrarn, follows Mia as she finds herself at boarding school, navigating the challenges of living thousands of kilometres away from home and family, and maintaining her sense of identity and belonging. In this final book, Ngurra Home, Mia is...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Jy Goes for Gold (Kimberley Kickers, #1)
An action-packed illustrated series for ages 8+, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo and My Footy Boots. I'm about 35 metres out from the goal and, running on instinct, I do a snap kick of the ball. I watch as the footy flies through the air. Will it bend enough? I can hear the roar of the crowd but...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
How Big Is Love?
The love between two family members takes us on a journey from their small backyard, across Country, to the end of time - because sometimes we need to hear all the ways we are loved. A heartfelt story from the award-winning creators of Black Cockatoo, with illustrator Jade Goodwin. 'My love stretches back to Creation and forward to the end...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Black Cockatoo
Black Cockatoo is a vignette that follows Mia, a young Aboriginal girl, as she explores the fragile connections of family and culture. Mia is a 13-year-old girl from a remote community in the Kimberley. She is saddened by the loss of her brother as he distances himself from the family. She feels powerless to change the things she sees around...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Backyard Footy
The first book in a joyful black&write! Fellowship-winning picture book series that follows a cast of footy-loving kids as they hop through the backyards of their neighbourhood in the Kimberley, collecting equipment and friends to play with as they go. Jy is playing football alone in his small backyard in the Kimberley, but when he accidentally kicks the ball over...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Krstel Kicks to Win (Kimberley Kickers, #2)
An action-packed illustrated series for ages 8+, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo and My Deadly Boots. It's a GOAL! A rush of adrenaline courses through me as I jump in the air in celebration. This is big β my first goal in the AFLW. I've achieved my dream! My teammates gather around to celebrate. I can hear my...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Backyard Tennis
Follow a cast of sport-loving kids as they hop through the backyards of their neighbourhood in the Kimberley, collecting equipment and friends to play with as they go, from award-winning creators Carl Merrison and Samantha Campbell. Mum loves tennis, but we don't have a court out here. One day, she gets out her old racquets and takes me into the...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Ash Flies High (Kimberley Kickers, #3): A fun adventure series about mates, growing up in the Kimberley and footy (Aussie Rules!)
A footy adventure story based on Ash Johnson's life by award-winning authors Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Jy Goes for Gold (Book 1) was a CBCA Notable book in 2025. I reach out and snatch the footy... I sense where the goals are... I position myself, put the ball on my boot for a snap kick and it sails through...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Backyard Tennis
Follow a cast of sport-loving kids as they hop through the backyards of their neighbourhood in the Kimberley, collecting equipment and friends to play with as they go, from award-winning creators Carl Merrison and Samantha Campbell. Mum loves tennis, but we don't have a court out here. One day, she gets out her old racquets and takes me into the...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Tracks of the Missing
Age range 12+'There must be payback.''There must, you are right,' Grandfather agrees.'What can you offer in exchange?'Grandfather holds up his arms, open, offering himself as a sacrifice. 'I am old.'Deklan 'Dek' Archer and his mates arrive at school to a tense atmosphere. 'Old Mate', Mr Henry, who has lived in town for a long time, has been found murdered. He...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Dirrarn
Age range 10+ Mia could hear the squarks of her Jarriny before she saw them. Her eyes had flicked to the sky in search of the passing dirrarn but soon realised the noise was from the bird just beyond the gate. We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo, as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. Dirrarn...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
My Deadly Boots
SHORTLISTED FOR THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD, QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARDS 2023 SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR AGES 3-5 AWARD 2023 Spikes on the bottom boots, my favourite colour boots, making me too deadly. Can the shoes on your feet really make you jump higher? Walk taller? Dream bigger? A joyous, empowering story about finding confidence...HardbackSold Out
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseFight or Flight: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (21)
When the going gets tough, whatβs a wimpy kid to do? InΒ Fight or Flight, Greg Heffley faces his biggest challenge yet as he becomes a target for the school bully. Luckily for Greg, his best friend, Rowley Jefferson, takes karate, so at least Gregβs got someone in his corner. But an unexpected twist makes Greg realize heβs facing an uphill...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseGruffalo Granny
The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, "Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure...Hardback$2499Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Sixth Faction
Beatrice Prior stands on the brink of a decision every person in her world must make: five factions, five futures, five lives. She has a plan: she's going to make the bravest choice, and leave Abnegation behind to join Dauntless, even though it means leaving her family behind. But when tragedy strikes at her Choosing Ceremony, everything changesβher world, her...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseDetective Beans Colouring Club
Help Detective Beans solve the case of the missing colours! Join the Colouring Club now! Join the Detective Beans Colouring Club! Inside you'll find 40 removable colouring pages featuring scenes from all over Cat Town. Filled with all the characters you know and love from the Detective Beans graphic novels like Biscuits, Beans' mum, Mr Brickle, Bear, Detective Baby Bird...Paperback$1799Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseWahine
From a majestic mermaid to a clay woman, the creator of glaciers to the mother of gardening, discover powerful wahine and how their stories shaped the world around us. Wahine introduces readers to twelve purakau of brave, bold, and inspiring women of Aotearoa. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight the whole whanau, from award-winning illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White....Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseLottie Brooksβs Twelve Disasters of Christmas
From hilarious MEGA bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a new story collection from the world of Lottie Brooks! But this time... it's not about Lottie! From hilarious MEGA bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a new story collection from the world of Lottie Brooks! And it's CHRISTMAS! In The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks we spent the holiday season with...Paperback$1799Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
21% offNew ReleaseMatihe! Achoo!
What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of TΔmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pΕ«rΔkau e pΔ ana ki a Mataoho me ngΔ puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...Paperback$1500Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Sweet As Looky Book
Can you find all the chocolate fish? Is it possible for kiwi to fly? Can you spot the difference? See Aotearoa New Zealand through the eyes of award-winning artist Donovan Bixley in The Sweet As Looky Book. Use your finest skills to seek out pirates in the Bay of Islands and birds in Rakiura Stewart Island. Get in a car...Hardback$2299Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips late October -
New ReleasePocket Observology
Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Day of the Dinosaur Disaster
Angry anacondas, blizzarding blobs, carnivorous cactuses ... what kind of twisted curse will Glam-Evil think up this time?!Only it's not just Glam-Evil's curse the gang needs to worry about; they've got a few other problems, too. Swooping Pteranodons, a hungry T-Rex, a missing mother, and ... is that ... an ASTEROID?!Join MILES AND JONES as they face their biggest challenge...Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
15% offNew ReleaseThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell Itβs the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyoneβs lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMari the Unwonderful Witch
A charming, cosy and thought-provoking tale about a wonderfully unconventional little witch, by bestselling author of BUTTER, Asako Yuzuki. Perfect for fans of WICKED, KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE, and THE HATMAKERS series by Tamzin Merchant - and anyone who likes an enchanting adventure with just a hint of mischief. Mari the Unwonderful Witch introduces us to Mari, an eleven-year-old witch who...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Children's Books lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Kiwi Pukapuka!
Here a huge bunch of incredible books for Kiwi kids of all ages, by amazing Kiwi authors! Including picture books and chapter...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Books for Helping Kids with Emotions!
Books are a great way to help children learn about emotions - giving them the language to name and recognize how they...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Chapter Books for the Classroom
Looking for some fresh inspirationΒ when it comes to reading to your class? Lizzy has you covered with her chapter book recommendations!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Travel Books for Tamariki
Going on a trip with your children? There are some amazing pukapuka (books) that are perfect for young travelers! Check out this...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Picture Books
A collection of my favourite picture books to read aloud with my child and keep on the bookshelf as a reminder of...View the list
