PENCIL IN PRINT

Pencil O'Reilly wants nothing more than to play for the Essendon Football Club. In his days as a country school boy, he races the bus to the stop, kicks a rolled-up newspaper, leaps over high fences, and celebrates winning games with his local club mates. But in his mind, he is streaking down the flank of the MCG, kicking the official leather Sherrin, taking hanging marks and celebrating winning games in the red and black guernsey. Jim Howes has written an engaging story about a young boy finishing school, dreaming and striving for a spot in the AFL, and facing the hurdles in his way. Aimed at young teens, this children's literature title (a co-publication with the Essendon FC) is supported by the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation. Off to print last week, Pencil O'Reilly: Bush Champion will be available in April.