Toby’s Invisible Friend

About the Book

The story revolves around Toby, a 12-year-old boy who moves with his parents to a remote cattle station in the arid interior of Australia. One day, while swimming in the river behind his house, Toby spots a boy standing on the bank, watching him closely. Their close friendship develops quickly, filled with fun adventures and the stories they share together. This new friend, Birrani, becomes a mentor to Toby, teaching him about life in the bush. He shows Toby how to read animal tracks and recognise and understand the sounds animals make in nature, which deepens Toby's connection to the land. Birrani teaches Toby which foods are safe to eat and which plants can be used for medicine. Each lesson deepens Toby's love for the land and gives him a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. However, Dad, who has never seen Birrani, believes he's just a figment of Toby's imagination. Meanwhile, Mum feels caught in the middle, hearing Dad's concerns, she questions where Toby is learning his bush skills, if not from his friend, Birrani. Despite this, Dad still believes that Toby has an imaginary friend and suggests he's learning everything from the kids in his study room.

About the Author

Maree Callahan is a dedicated wife and mother with a professional background in massage therapy. In healthcare, she focuses on delivering care that promotes relaxation and enhances overall well-being. Maree has a passion for writing and storytelling, and one of her favourite tales is set in the enchanting world of Rainbow Fairies. In this story, the fairies embark on a magical journey, sliding down a vibrant rainbow that stretches across the sky. Each fairy must earn their wings by performing good deeds and spreading kindness and joy throughout their whimsical realm. With every act of goodness, their wings appear, shimmering brightly, reflecting the beauty of their hearts and the colours of the rainbow. This captivating adventure not only highlights the importance of altruism but also illustrates the transformative power of compassion in a world filled with wonder.