Mike Lefroy has spent most of his working life in Fremantle, firstly in local high schools then with the HM Bark Endeavour Project in 1988 as the Education Officer. In 1992 he joined the Western Australia Maritime Museum as Head of Education. In 2000, Lefroy received a Churchill Fellowship to study museum interpretation for families in the US, Canada and Europe. In 2003, he was named Fremantle Citizen of the Year for his work with the WA Maritime Museum and the promotion of Fremantle. Lefroy's interest in history and education has drawn him to writing and he particularly enjoys the challenge of making the past come alive for children. Lefroy's publications include picture books, junior novels, non-fiction titles, education kits and web based education activities. He has a particular interest in local history and his latest publications feature prominent Western Australian and Australian stories. His books include The Catalpa Escape, HMAS Sydney - the Mystery of Australia's Greatest Naval Disaster, Captain Cook and the Endeavour, and Shipwreck at Madman's Corner. Lefroy is regularly invited to speak at schools, libraries and conferences about history, books and writing.