'Generations of younger Australian readers have grown up reading books by Colin Thiele. One of the most beloved of chidren's authors, Thiele entertained and instructed through a host of books, by turns gentle and challenging, playful and serious. The death in late 2006 of this revered writer for children ... was taken as a great loss in all quarters. His contribution to Australia's literary landscape draws an assessment and appreciation from Stephany Steggall.' (Editor's abstract)