I have written a series of 8 fictional children’s books about a young boy 'Bootsie' who plays rugby union.  The first two books in the series are out now and can be ordered through my website www.bootsiebooks.com

The books are about the tales of a boy whose whole life is playing this great game.  He gets his name from the fact that early on in his life he continually turns up at training with his boots tied together by their shoelaces around his neck.  His coach starts calling him ‘Bootsie’ and the name sticks.  They are educational books as well because they teach the young readers a lot about positions, strategies, sportsmanship and laws of the game all whilst having a good laugh as well.

I actually wrote the books as I cared for my  then 7 year old son Connor whilst he was being treated for childhood brain cancer.  The idea for the book came to me as I slept by his side one night.  As the months and years of treatment progressed the whole 8 books were written.  He is currently in remission which is great and is now 11 years old.  Unfortunately he has mild paralysis down one side of his body from the treatment so he can't play rugby at a contact level anymore which is a real shame.

He is the inspiration for the character 'Bootsie' and although Bootsie doesn't face the challenges Connor faced he still faces many issues young boys face in life.

As the books progress Bootsie goes from just wanting to win his under 11's grand final to schoolboy selection and then being invited to the country’s top boarding school on a full rugby scholarship. He faces many challenges along the way to say the least.

These books are a great way to inspire kids to want to play this great game.  I have had some great feedback from parents about the books especially in relation to their kids who may not always enjoy reading. 

Here are only some emails I have received from parents.

My 8-yr old son, Jonathan, who is sports-mad, but whom I have never been able to get to read a book, has devoured yours: pretty quickly!
I am absolutely delighted to have finally found a book which appealed to him.
Lauren Ross
Perth WA

I am just writing to say thank you for a lovely book, it has hit the spot in our home. I have three boys 12, 11 and 9 all very keen rugby lads. Hugh(12) has already finished Bootsie you're 8, he is not a great reader but adored your book, he has asked me to buy the whole series for him, I was wondering when the next book is due for release?
I would love to see him keep reading.......The boys school (Cooma North Public School) also purchased a copy and it has been a great hit there.
Jacki Allen
Cooma NSW

I gave my son Sean (9) your Bootsie You’re 8 book to read. He absolutely loved it, and would like to know when the next book will be available.  Sean does not enjoy reading much, and I struggle to find books that capture his attention as your book has.
Michelle Szalek
Perth WA

My nephew Marcus has just turned 9 (November) and  as a special treat I gave him the first book to read in November and asked him to write a little review. His Dad said he vanished for 4 evenings after school to read the book and his review talked about friendship, character, sportsmanship and courage - his Dad was very impressed.

He is very excited about the second book which he's just received this morning as he's rugby mad but I just wanted to thank you for your great handling of a great sport which teaches kids so much and which you explain so well in words. 
Tony Rhodes
South Wales UK

I enjoy the way you portray 'ordinary' family life with its values of decency in a way that the reader is not consciously aware of. And I'm sure lots of kids wish they could live with Bootsie, so they could have his mum and dad for parents.
Yasmin Gray
Editor Fontaine Press

The books have been a big success here in Perth but I would like to know that kids from all around the world get to read the Bootsie series of books and help promote the great game we all love.  I was hoping you may be able to simply help let kids and their parents know about the book series and hopefully inspire more kids to play this great game.  This is totally a non-profit thing for me and any money from the sales goes straight back into producing the next book in the series, I do this for the love of the game and to get kids into rugby whilst encouraging them to read as well.

Thank you so very much for your time.