130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 | Visit our Auckland bookstore • Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

Toppling

By Sally Murphy
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.01 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 200 ratings, 54 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
Toppling by Sally Murphy is a heartfelt story about John, a young boy whose world revolves around his domino toppling hobby and his close-knit group of friends. When one of their members faces a serious challenge, the children learn the power of friendship, resilience, and support. Written in verse, this touching book explores themes of loyalty and coping with life's unexpected hurdles.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$1899
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

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?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate stories about friendship and resilience. It's a heartfelt children’s book that tackles themes of facing challenges and the supportive power of friends when dealing with difficult situations. Young readers will find it both engaging and meaningful.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A moving and triumphant illustrated verse novel about childhood illness and support for friends. Ages 8-12.

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
John is obsessed with dominoes. But not with playing the traditional game, he is obsessed with toppling. He spends hours setting up spirals, ramps, patterns and lines of dominoes all for that satisfying toppling beginning with a small push in the right direction - everything falls as it is meant to. When John's friend Dom falls sick and is diagnosed with cancer, John and his friends' worlds fall apart. Can they face Dom and support him through his illness? It's hard for all at first but John and his friends find a way to comfort Dom and laugh with him again. They even find support and understanding from an unlikely source within their class, the school bully.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Toppling by Sally Murphy is praised for its emotional depth, humor, and touching portrayal of loyalty and friendship. The book's engaging story is complemented by Rhian Nest James's delightful illustrations, offering readers an experience that evokes both laughter and tears.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781921529429

Publisher: Walker Books Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 March 2010

Country: Australia

Imprint: Walker Books Australia

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Rhian Nest James

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 128g

Pages: 128

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Sally Murphy Young Adult

About the Author

Sally Murphy is a mother, wife, teacher, speaker, website manager, reviewer, and, of course, author. She was born in Perth and now lives in Corrigin, in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. In 2001 she decided to dedicate herself to her dream of becoming a children’s author and has now published 28 books. As well as writing for children Sally is also a children’s book reviewer who runs the review site www.aussiereviews.com

Rhian Nest James has been working as a freelance illustrator for many years after graduating from Exeter College of Art with an Honours Degree in Illustration. She has produced illustrations for a wide variety of publishers and organisations but her speciality is children’s books having illustrated over 60 children’s books and contributed illustrations to many more. Rhian moved to Sydney from her native Wales in 2002 and she continues to illustrate for others including the highly successful series Samurai Kids.

Also by Sally Murphy

View all
  • Looking Up
    Looking Up by Sally Murphy Pete is hoping—desperately hoping—for a telescope. There's nothing he wants more for his birthday. But when a mysterious card arrives in the mail, what Pete wants is turned totally upside down.
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Meet... Mary MacKillop
    A picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australian history, including St Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop is Australia's first saint. Mary was born in the 1800s and devoted her life to teaching children. She believed everyone should have the chance to learn, no matter how rich or poor they are. In 1866, she set up...
    By Sally Murphy and Sonia Martinez
    Paperback
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Pearl Verses the World
    At school, Pearl feels as though she is in a group of one. Her teacher wants her to write poems that rhyme, but Pearl's poems don't. At home, however, Pearl feels safe and loved, but her grandmother is slowly fading, and so are Mum and Pearl. When her grandmother eventually passes away, Pearl wants life to go back to the...
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Sage Cookson's Snow Day
    Age range 7+ Sage Cookson's Snow Day revolves around Sage Cookson, a ten-year-old with a rather unique lifestyle. Her parents are television chefs with a deep passion for food. They spend much of their time travelling across Australia and the world, sampling cuisine, learning new cooking techniques, and sharing their newfound knowledge with a vast television audience. For Sage, this...
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Riding Gallery
    Exploring the true story of the St Kilda merry go round during World War 1, by Australia's most revered verse novelistIn Melbourne's St Kilda, as World War 1 begins, Anton, a German immigrant fulfils his dream of creating the most beautiful steam-driven “riding gallery” - a merry go round – in the world. Evelyn, who has just moved to the...
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Sage Cookson's Fishy Surprise
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Sage Cookson's Ring of Truth
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Sage Cookson's Singapore Sensation
    Sage Cookson's Singapore Sensation takes you on an exciting adventure with Sage as she travels to Singapore with her TV chef parents. Fame seems to follow them everywhere, with people recognising her parents wherever they go. Their popularity is soaring, as evidenced by posters advertising their upcoming cookbook and a feature story about the Cooksons in the inflight magazine. However,...
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Worse Things
    Worse Things is a story about connections, the ways they are made, and what happens when they are lost or illusive, from the award-winning author of Pearl Verses the World and Toppling.Winner of QLD CBCA Bilby Award for Younger Readers 2021Worse Things follows the lives of three main characters: Blake, an Aussie Rules football player who suffers a devastating injury;...
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • If I Could Eat the Stars
    Illustrated by Briony Stewart, this is a collection of fun and relatable Australian poetry for middle readers, featuring poems by a mix of award-winning, established and brand new writers. Defend a Goal with Sally Murphy, rocket through space with Amber Moffat or get radioactive with Cristy Burne. Walk the dog with Deb Fitzpatrick and play with your food with James...
    By Rebecca Newman and Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    $2300
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Sage Cookson's Literary Launch
    By Sally Murphy
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Children's Books

View all
  • New Release
    Gruffalo 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...
    By Julia Donaldson
    Hardback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Lottie Brooks’s 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...
    By Katie Kirby
    Paperback
    $1799
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Wahine
    New Release
    Wahine
    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....
    By Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
    Hardback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Sweet As Looky Book
    New Release
    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...
    By Donovan Bixley
    Hardback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The 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...
    By Sam Smith
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Neverfear
    A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s 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...
    By Katherine Rundell
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Mari 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...
    By Asako Yuzuki
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition
    A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...
    By Graeme Base
    Hardback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Comeback Kid
    Charlie Boy might be just an ordinary kid, but he's about to get into some EXTRA-ordinary trouble... Get ready for this funny, fast-paced, friendship adventure with lots of kick. Meet Charlie Boy: skinny, small, looks like a strand of spaghetti. He and his best friend, Rocky the Lower Hutt Chief, are good at getting into trouble together. But when Charlie...
    By Airana Ngarewa
    Paperback
    $1799
    Elsewhere:
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Millie from Milford
    New Release
    Millie from Milford
    Based on the true story of Ruth Shaw and her husband Lance looking after a baby seal that had been shot between the eyes. Millie from Milford lives in Milford Sound, the number one tourist destination in Aotearoa New Zealand. After Millie was checked by a vet, she was taken to Ruth and Lance's home to be looked after until...
    By Ruth Shaw
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Case of the Tall Stranger: Violet and the Velvets 4
    New Release
    The Case of the Tall Stranger: Violet and the Velvets 4
    But disaster strikes when guitarist Jack breaks his wrist and can no longer play. On top of that, all their hard work fundraising has fallen short! When help comes from unexpected channels, the Velvets make it to the Big Apple just in time to compete against the best kid bands in the whole world, including their new rivals the Blazer...
    By Rachael King
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Pocket Observology
    Pocket 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...
    By Giselle Clarkson
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

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

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

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

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!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all