Cirrus@Austlit

'Charlie Mackesy meets Kurt Vonnegut, in the first non-fiction book from Tim Minchin- a beautifully idiosyncratic celebration of life, art, success, kindness, love and thriving in a meaningless universe, drawn from three iconic graduation speeches.

''Life will sometimes seem long and tough. And you will sometimes be happy and sometimes sad. And then you'll be old. And then you'll be dead. There is only one sensible thing to do with this empty existence, and that is- fill it.'

'A book for the science-loving reality-romantic in all of us, You Don't Have to Have a Dream offers Tim Minchin's inimitable thoughts and advice on life, art, success, kindness, love, and thriving in a meaningless universe. Drawn from three of his iconic commencement addresses, and beautifully designed with specially commissioned illustrations throughout, it's a rallying cry for creativity, critical thinking, and compassion in our daily lives.

'It's never too late to put something beautiful out into the world.'  (Publication summary)

'If you're stuck in your story and want to get out, you don't have to cry, you don't have to shout. Even if you're little you can do a lot, you mustn't let a little thing like little stop you. We're told we have to do as we're told, but surely, sometimes you have to be a little bit ... naughty! Inspired by the much-loved song from Tim Minchin, composer-lyricist of Matilda the Musical.' (Publication summary)

Series one:

'Lucky Flynn (Minchin) hasn’t spoken to his family in years. He’s broke, distant and damaged. He’s also a gifted pianist, whose talent for music is matched only by his talent for self-destruction. When he learns that his mother has only days left to live, Lucky sets off in a hire car to drive the 4000 kilometres from Sydney to Perth to say goodbye to her, taking with him his only cherished possession in the world – a battered and scarred upright piano. But what should have been a straightforward drive across the Nullarbor soon becomes a test of Lucky’s emotional fitness, when he (quite literally) runs into Meg (Milly Alcock), a hilarious, tough-as-nails teenager, who we soon discover has plenty of scars and secrets of her own.'

Source: Screen Australia.

Series two:

'Trading the desert for the steamy tropics of Far North Queensland, Lucky and Meg hit the road - and the river - on a mission to find Meg's mum. Trouble is, Meg's mum has disappeared into the rainforest.'

Source: Screen Australia.

This hugely exciting picture book collaboration by internationally celebrated musician-comedian Tim Minchin and award-winning illustrator Steve Antony is an absolute treat for all ages. Inspired by Tim Minchin's hit song WHEN I GROW UP from MATILDA THE MUSICAL, the book takes a humorous yet moving look at adult life from a child's perspective. Grown-ups surely have all the fun as they must eat sweets every day, climb the biggest trees and watch cartoons till their eyes go square. But do they really...? A truly magical picture book by two incredible talents. (Synopsis)