An Extraordinary Story: Read Our Review of The Wonder of Little Things (Young Readers Edition) by Vince Copley, with Lea McInerney

Welcome to my story. I didn’t learn a lot in school, not in the classroom, anyway. But I learned a lot from life.

‘Always remember you’re as good as anybody else,’ Vince’s mother, Kate, often told him. And he was, becoming a champion footballer and premiership-winning coach. But change was in the air, and Vince wanted to help make life better for his people too.

At every step, Vince found light in the darkness, the friendly face in the crowd, the small moments that make the world go round.

Welcome to the wonder of little things.

In The Wonder of Little Things (Young Readers Edition), a First Nations Elder shares his extraordinary story of finding kindness in the midst of prejudice, and joy in living life to the full.

Vince Copley AM, a proud Ngadjuri man, was born on an Aboriginal mission in South Australia. Along with other Ngadjuri people, Vince has been active in recovering and protecting Ngadjuri cultural heritage.

In 2022, Elder Vince Copley collaborated with his friend and writer, Lea McInerney, to publish the incredible story of his life in their book, The Wonder of Little Things. It’s an Australian classic in the making, a plain-speaking account of hardship, courage and optimism told without self-pity or big-noting.

Now, it has been released in an accessible format for young readers aged 10+. Brimming with wisdom and optimism, this is a special opportunity to imbue the younger generation with the lessons and clarity of one of this country’s most significant and influential Elders.

Given how much strength and resilience Vince showed in his youth, this book is full of particularly pertinent messages for a younger audience. Without leaving anything out, this revised edition makes the events of Vince’s life easily digestible – from traumas to triumphs, activism to sports, and everything in between.

Vince Copley and Lea McInerney have created a true gem that will captivate readers of all ages and remind them to always look for the wonder in little things. Highly recommended for budding naturalists, curious minds and anyone who believes in the magic of discovery.

Buy a copy of The Wonder of Little Things (Young Readers Edition) here.