Hairy holes by Brenton E. McKenna

Yawuru creator Brenton E McKenna, based around Broome in WA, has created a wild and frenetic story based on two monstrous hairy holers, Begley and Redley who live in the Australian bush. A lost ‘skinny’ tourist named Joplin is headed towards Adelaide, mistakenly ends up in the wrong place and is captured by the hairy holers. They debate about whether he will become a delicious meal but is deemed too small and they release him. He tries to escape but faces dangerous animal predators and is eventually saved by the brothers. He becomes fascinated by Begley and Redley and sets about trying to help them find their parents by introducing them to the Internet. What follows is both confusing and hilarious. The darkly coloured graphic illustrations show a number of frightening characters in unusual situations, but it is all in good fun.  Children will enjoy the slapstick humour and at times ‘rude’ comments. This is a short story and for reluctant readers with a sense of humour this book will hold great appeal. There will be further books in this series as the search for the parents continues.

Themes: Graphic Novel, Supernatural, Humour, Stories, Outback, Adventure, Monsters.

Kathryn Beilby