Children's books · Margaret River, Western Australia

The Little Adventures of Margaret River

Along the winding waters of Margaret River, in the beautiful southwest of Western Australia, a little world of adventure is waiting to be discovered. Beneath the water, among the river stones, and along the leafy banks live a wonderful collection of creatures, each with their own personality, friendships, and stories to tell.

The Little Adventures of Margaret River follows these unlikely friends as they explore their natural surroundings, encounter unexpected challenges, and learn about friendship, kindness, curiosity, and the importance of looking after the world they call home. Inspired by the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of the Margaret River region, these gently illustrated stories bring the river and its inhabitants to life, inviting young readers to discover the little adventures hiding in nature all around them.

The first four titles in The Little Adventures of Margaret River are available free of charge in digital form (online), so you can explore the illustrations, storytelling and gentle themes that shape the series. Individual titles will be available to purchase in both digital and printed editions. Once the complete collection is available, a digital series pass will offer access to all 24 books.

We would also love to hear from businesses in Margaret River and across the South West of Western Australia interested in stocking the printed books. Wholesale pricing and ordering details will follow. If you would like to discuss becoming a stockist, please get in touch.

Collection 1: The River and Its Friends

Explore the books

Discover the stories in the first collection, set along the river and among its inhabitants.

Milly Marron and the Secret of the Fallen Tree

When Milly, a rare Margaret River hairy marron, begins to feel different because of her unusual hairy claws, she wishes she could be just like everyone else. But when an unexpected adventure beneath a fallen tree puts a friend in trouble, Milly discovers that what makes her different might be her greatest strength. A heartwarming adventure about friendship, self-confidence, and discovering what makes each of us special, set in the beautiful waters of Margaret River.

Read Milly's Adventure →

Borro and the Tunnel that Disappeared

When Borro the Burrowing Crayfish discovers that his favorite underground tunnel has mysteriously disappeared after heavy rain, he is determined to fix it himself. But with a little help from Milly and Narla, he discovers that even the cleverest digger sometimes needs a helping hand. A heartwarming adventure about friendship, asking for help, and the hidden world beneath Margaret River's creek banks.

Read Borro's Adventure →

Pip and the Little Problem that Grew

When Pip the frog notices a stone slipping toward his cozy riverside shelter, he knows something is wrong. But his friends are busy, and such a little stone hardly seems worth worrying about. As the entrance grows narrower, Pip is determined to make himself heard. With help from Milly, Rikki, and Coco, he discovers that even the smallest voice can make a big difference. A heartwarming adventure about speaking up, listening to others, and caring for the little places that make Margaret River home.

Read Pip's Adventure →

Rikki and the River's Hidden Treasure

When Rikki the rakali spots a golden glimmer beneath a wooden jetty, he is certain he has found something special. With Milly and Finn beside him, he sets off to search for more. But while Rikki looks for things that sparkle, his friends discover wonders he keeps swimming past. A warm Margaret River adventure about curiosity, friendship, and discovering that the most valuable things are not always the ones you can carry home.

Read Rikki's Adventure →

Collection 1: The River and its Friends

Meet the Characters

Get to know the wonderful friends who inhabit the world of The Little Adventures of Margaret River. From the cool, sheltered waters beneath the river's surface to the leafy banks and surrounding bushland, each creature has a special place to call home and a unique personality to share.

Meet an unlikely group of friends whose different personalities, curious habits, and little adventures bring the river to life. Some are brave and adventurous, others are thoughtful, mischievous, or full of wisdom, but together they discover that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest stories to tell. Inspired by the real wildlife of Margaret River, these characters invite young readers to explore the natural world, celebrate their differences, and discover the friendships and surprises waiting just around the next bend in the river.

Milly the Hairy Marron

Cherax tenuimanus

Milly is a curious and kind-hearted hairy marron who loves exploring her home in the clear waters of the Margaret River. She is a little self-conscious about her hairy claws at first, but through her adventures she discovers that being different is something to be proud of.

Pip the Frog

Pseudophryne guentheri

Pip is a tiny frog with a big voice and an even bigger sense of adventure. He is always curious, full of energy and quick to spot something interesting. Pip is a good friend who encourages Milly to explore, and he never expects anyone to be anything other than themselves.

Finn the Fish

Galaxiidae (family)

Finn is a small native freshwater fish who lives in the clear, cool waters of the Margaret River. He is friendly, curious and always on the move. Finn loves exploring, darting between rocks and roots, and discovering new places. He can sometimes be a little too curious, which can get him into trouble — but it also leads to adventure!

Borro the Burrowing Crayfish

Engaewa pseudoreducta

Borro is a small crayfish with a big talent for digging. He spends most of his time underground in burrows, creating hidden pathways and finding pockets of water. Borro can be a little shy at first, but he is resourceful, ingenious and always willing to help his friends. Even though he is small, Borro shows that exploring beneath the surface can lead to amazing discoveries.

Narla the Quenda

Isoodon obesulus fusciventer

Narla is a curious and kind-hearted quenda who makes her home in the forests and bushland around the Margaret River. She has a keen nose for adventure, loves exploring tunnels and hidden places, and is always on the lookout for tasty seeds, fruits and insects. Narla is gentle and friendly, a little shy at first, but quick to make friends.

Coco the Cowara

Parvipsitta porphyrocephala

Coco is a lively and curious purple-crowned lorikeet who visits from Cowaramup. With her bright purple crown and emerald green feathers, Coco brings energy, colour and new perspectives to the group, sharing stories from the forests, flowering trees and places beyond the river.

Rikki the Rakali

Hydromys chrysogaster

Rikki is a clever, adventurous and resourceful rakali who makes his home in the rivers and wetlands of the Margaret River region. He is an excellent swimmer and diver, exploring underwater worlds, riverbanks and hidden places that others rarely see. With his distinctive white-tipped tail and curious nature, Rikki often discovers interesting things and helps his friends learn more about the amazing freshwater ecosystems and the many creatures that depend on clean, healthy rivers.

Penny the Pygmy Possum

Cercartetus concinnus

Penny is a tiny, energetic and curious western pygmy possum who loves exploring the flowers and shrubs of the Margaret River region. Depsite her small size, she is brave, resourceful, and always on the move. Penny has a special interest in nectar, pollen and the many insects that visit native plants. She shows her friends how even the smallest creatures play an important role in the ecosystem, and reminds everyone that big adventures can come in small packages.

Old Lamprey — Wise River Guide

Geotria australis

Old Lamprey is a wise and gentle freshwater lamprey who has lived in the Margaret River for many years. He knows the currents, the hidden pools and the stories of the river. With his long, eel-like body and distinctive circular mouth, he has a wise, gentle look and a great beard that shows his age and experience. Old Lamprey is always curious, kind and patient, and loves to share his knowledge with the younger river creatures.

Collection 2: Beyond the River

Explore the books

Discover the stories in the second collection, with new characters extending beyond the river.

Collection 2: Beyond the River

Meet the Characters

Beyond the winding river, a whole new world of wonderful friends is waiting to be discovered. From the towering karri forests and quiet bushland to mysterious limestone caves and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, the Margaret River region is home to an extraordinary variety of creatures, each with a special place to call home and a unique personality to share.

Meet a colourful collection of new friends whose different personalities, curious habits, and unexpected adventures bring the wider world of Margaret River to life. Some soar high above the treetops, others explore the forest floor, hide among the branches, or journey through the ocean's depths. Some are brave and adventurous, others are gentle, playful, thoughtful, or full of wisdom, but each has a wonderful story waiting to be told. Inspired by the remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes of Margaret River, these characters invite young readers to venture beyond the familiar riverbanks, discover new habitats, celebrate the beauty of nature, and find friendship in the most unexpected places. With every new adventure, the world grows a little bigger, reminding us that there is always something wonderful waiting just beyond the horizon.

Eddie the Wedge-tailed Eagle

Aquila audax

Eddie is a confident, observant and wise wedge-tailed eagle who soars high above the forests, rivers and coastline of the Margaret River region. With his incredible eyesight, Eddie sees the big picture and often notices things that his smaller friends cannot. He is independent but always willing to help, sharing his knowledge of the land, the weather, and the creatures below. Eddie believes that true strength comes with responsibility and care for the place we call home.

Rosie the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo

Calyptorhynchus banksii naso

Rosie is a lively, sociable and opinionated red-tailed black cockatoo who calls the forests and bushland of the Margaret River home. She loves to chat, share news with her friends, and gather tasty seeds from the towering jarrah, marri and karri trees. With her powerful beak and impressive flying skills, Rosie is full of energy and always ready for an adventure. She cares deeply about her home and reminds her friends how important old trees and nesting hollows are for generations to come.

Karu the Karri Tree

Eucalyptus diversicolor

Karu is a tall and wise karri tree who has stood in the Margaret River forests for many years. He provides shelter for his many forest friends, listens to their stories, and watches the seasons change. Karu is gentle, patient and always encouraging, reminding others to be curious, kind and to look after the forest.

Ruby the Ringtail Possum

Pseudocheirus occidentalis

Ruby is a shy, thoughtful and curious ringtail possum who lives high in the trees of the Margaret River forests. She prefers to observe before speaking, and knows the secret pathways through the canopy. With her remarkable prehensile tail, Ruby moves silently among the branches at night. She loves exploring, meeting new friends, and sharing the wonders of the forest after dark.

Olive the Boobook Owl

Ninox boobook

Olive is a wise and gentle Australian boobook owl who lives in the forests of the Margaret River region. With her big, expressive eyes and calm, thoughtful nature, she notices things that others might miss. Olive loves to listen, observe and learn, and she helps her friends understand the nocturnal world. She reminds everyone to be curious, patient and look beyond first impressions before deciding what something means.

Lulu the Leeuwin Snail

Bothriembryon leeuwinensis

Lulu is a gentle and thoughtful land snail who moves at her own pace. She loves exploring the forest floor, noticing the small details that others often miss. Lulu has a remarkable memory for places and an excellent sense of direction. She may be slow, but her patience, curiosity and quiet wisdom help her friends see the world in a different way.

Cave the Wobbly Stalactite

Calcite (CaCO₃)

Cave is a friendly and curious stalactite who hangs from the roof of the magical limestone cave near the Margaret River. He is a little wobbly, and often sways when there is a breeze, a drop of water, or when his friends walk below. Cave loves observing, asking questions and sharing stories about how the cave was formed over a very long time. Even though he is small, Cave reminds everyone you can learn a lot if you slow down and look closely.

Sunny the Surfing Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

Sunny is an energetic and free-spirited shearwater who loves the ocean and surf. She spends most of her time flying over the waves, riding the wind and gliding above the swell. Sunny is curious, playful and always on the lookout for new islands, interesting currents and her friends along the coast. She can sometimes be a bit too adventurous, but her enthusiasm and love for the ocean inspire others to be brave and explore the world around them.

Wanda the Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Wanda is a magnificent humpback whale who visits the waters of the Margaret River coast. She is gentle, wise and full of wonder, and loves the ocean. Wanda travels great distances, but always returns, and enjoys singing, exploring and meeting new friends. She reminds everyone of the importance of health oceans and the amazing creatures that live beneath the waves.

Collection 2: Respecting Nature

Explore the books

Discover the stories in the third collection, with new characters and a focus respecting creatures in the ecosystem and knowing boundaries.

Collection 3: Respecting Nature

Meet the Characters

The natural world is full of remarkable creatures, but not every animal is friendly or safe to approach. Some are powerful predators, others have dangerous defences, and some simply want to be left alone.

Meet six more native Australian animals from the Margaret River region. Each has a different personality and something important to teach us about recognising danger, respecting boundaries and appreciating wildlife from a safe distance. Not every encounter needs to end in friendship. Sometimes the wisest choice is to stop, observe from a safe distance and leave an animal undisturbed. Through these six characters, young readers discover that understanding wildlife means appreciating its beauty, recognising its dangers and respecting every creature's place in nature.

Belle the Blue-ringed Octopus

Hapalochlaena maculosa

Belle is a small but extraordinary blue-ringed octopus who lives in the rock pools and shllow waters along the Margaret River coastline. With her beautiful blue rings and curious nature, Belle loves exploring the rocks, shells and seaweed. She is clever, independent and sometimes a little mischievous, but she also teaches her friends that even small creatures can be dangerous and should be admired from a distance.

Harry the Huntsman Spider

Sparassidae

Harry is a quick and curious huntsman spider who lives in the forrests and bushland around Margaret River. With his long legs and surprising speed, he can be a little startling, but Harry is friendly, playful and more interested in catching insects than causing trouble. He helps his friends see that something that looks frightening is not always dangerous.

Bruce the Great White Shark

Carcharodon carcharias

Bruce is a powerful but calm great white shark who patrols the coastal waters of Margaret River. He is curious, intelligent and calm, and helps the oher characters understand the importance of respecting ocean wildlife and keeping a safe distance. Bruce is not a villian — he simply follows his natural instincts and reminds his friends that some animals are best admired from afar.

Sly the Tiger Snake

Notechis scutatus

Sly is a wary and wise tiger snake who lives near the wetlands and waterways of Margaret Rivver. He prefers the quiet life, often resting in the sun or swimming through the reeds, and would rather be left alone. Sly is not aggressive, but he will defend himself if he feels threatened. He helps the other characters learn to recognise warning signs, respect wildlife and give animals the space they need.

Maggie the Magpie

Gymnorhina tibicen

Maggie is a clever and outspoken Australian magpie who lives in the trees and open areas around Margaret River. She loves to sing, watch over her territory and look after her family. Maggie can be friendly and talkative, but she becomes very protective during nesting season and will swoop if others get too close. She helps her friends understand that some animals act aggressively when defending their young.

Bob the Bobtail Lizard

Tiliqua rugosa

Bob is a grumpy but lovable bobtail lizard who lives in the bushland and woodlands around Margaret River. With his stout body, short tail and beautiful blue tounge, Bob can look a little scary when he feels threatened. He is not aggressive, but will defend himself if startled, using his wide mouth and bright blue tongue as a warning. Bob helps his friends learn to respect wildlife boundaries and to give animals the space they need.

About the collection

Inspired by Nature in Margaret River

The Little Adventures of Margaret River collection draws inspiration from the remarkable wildlife, landscapes, and natural beauty of the Margaret River region in Western Australia. From the clear, winding waters of the river and its sheltered pools to the towering forests, hidden caves, and rugged coastline, the region is home to an extraordinary variety of creatures, each with its own place in the natural world.

Through colourful illustrations, memorable characters, and gentle storytelling, the collection brings this environment to life for young readers. Each adventure introduces new friendships, unexpected discoveries, and small challenges, while exploring themes of curiosity, kindness, courage, and respect for nature.

Inspired by real animals and the habitats they call home, the stories blend imagination with an appreciation of the natural world. They encourage children to look a little closer, ask questions, celebrate differences, and discover that even the smallest creatures can have wonderful stories to tell.

More books by Aaron Ardiri →