About the book

Some books are made to be read once.

This one is made to be explored again and again.

Can You Spot Australia? is a search-and-find history adventure for curious kids — filled with busy scenes, hidden clues, little discoveries and two wandering friends named Pip and Cooee.

A little history. A lot to spot.

The heart of the book

Underneath the searching and spotting, the heart of the book is simple:

History is not just dates. It is people. It is places. It is questions. It is stories we keep noticing, long after the page is turned.
The First Fleet Arrives search-and-find spread from Can You Spot Australia

Why this book exists

Children do not usually fall in love with history because someone gives them a list of dates.

They fall in love with it when something makes them stop, look closer and wonder.

  • “What’s happening there?”
  • “Who is that?”
  • “Why did they do that?”
  • “Can we find Pip?”

That is why this book exists — to turn history into a shared moment of curiosity. Not a lecture. Not a worksheet. A page children want to explore, and grown-ups can talk about with care.

A story to explore together

This book is for slow looking.

For parents reading beside their child. For grandparents pointing out details. For teachers starting a conversation. For kids who love finding hidden things before anyone else does.

Each scene is designed to feel like a small world — full of movement, clues, characters, humour and little pieces of Australia’s story waiting to be found.

Pip and Cooee are there to guide the way, but the real adventure belongs to the child holding the book.

Meet Pip & Cooee

Two little guides. Many hidden clues. One big adventure through Australia’s stories.

Pip the bilby

Pip

A gentle clue-finder with big ears, a curious eye and a little satchel full of notes.

Cooee the cockatoo

Cooee

A cheeky cockatoo who loves shiny things, hidden stars and getting slightly ahead of the plan.

Created with care

This book is still being carefully shaped.

Before publication, selected pages will be reviewed for cultural sensitivity, historical accuracy and age-appropriate wording. Some illustrations are concept artwork and may change as the book develops.

The goal is to create something children can enjoy, families can share, and Australia’s stories can be approached with curiosity and care.

Come along for the adventure

Join the first-reader list to see sample pages, behind-the-scenes updates and preorder news as the book comes to life.

Join the First-Reader List