Stay Close

Roly and Mum must find a new home where seagrass still grows abundant, but the journey promises to be perilous.

A peaceful bay once brimmed with dugongs, but now it’s only Roly and his Mum. Pollution has killed all the food, and everyone else has moved away. Starving from the scarce seagrass, Mum tells Roly that soon, when he is old enough, they will set out in search of a haven for dugongs like them where seagrass still thrives. But the journey is perilous, she warns. To survive, he must stay close. Stunning seascape illustrations serve as a reminder of the hidden beauty that we could lose.

Author Biography

Working as a Teacher Aide, often reading with students and seeing the joy books brought to the children, Kerrie Uren knew she wanted to write a book of her own for children to enjoy. Kerrie knows the importance of keeping our oceans healthy to ensure the survival of the animals that call it home, and she believes picture books are not only a joy for the reader but a valuable learning tool. With a love of the ocean and a passion for animals, Kerrie feels very lucky to live on the doorstep of Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia, where wildlife abounds.

Leanne Argent is an illustrator and artist based in South Australia. Leanne realised her passion for illustration when she created a children’s book while at high school. The support, encouragement and excitement that followed has led to Leanne illustrating over 50 children’s books, mostly in watercolour. Her love for people and the environment are displayed beautifully within her illustrations.