3 Reasons Why You Should Read The Howzat Pat Series by Pat Cummins & Dave Hartley, Illustrated by Serena Geddes

What’s the book about?

Howzat Pat #1: Dare to Bowl

I’m Pat Cummins and I love playing cricket. I love it so much that I sleep with my bat!

There’s BIG NEWS in my family – we’re moving from the coast all the way to the mountains and I’m NOT HAPPY about it. I have LOTS of questions, like …

-Will I FIT IN at my new school?

-How will I make new FRIENDS?

-What’s there to DO in the MOUNTAINS?!

-MOST importantly – WHERE WILL I PLAY CRICKET?!!!

If you want to know the answers to these questions, too – READ THIS BOOK!

Howzat Pat #2: Mission Wildlife Rescue

I’m Pat Cummins and I love playing cricket. I love it so much that I sleep with my bat!

I’m in a great cricket team with my best mates Prav and Beth, and we’re all really keen to know who our team’s cricket CAPTAIN will be.

But on our way to practise, something HUGE happened. We were bike racing through the bush when we came across bulldozers knocking down a section of trees where KOALAs live. We couldn’t believe our eyes! We have LOTS to find out, like …

-Who is behind this DISASTER?

-What HAPPENED to the koalas?

-How can we make sure they are SAFE…

-AND have somewhere to live?

If you want to know the answers to these questions, too – READ THIS BOOK!

Recommended for: 

Ages 8+

Three reasons to read it: 

1. Join Pat Cummins on an exciting adventure that not only showcases the thrill of cricket but also embodies the values of determination and teamwork. Each book in the series, like Dare to Bowl and Mission Wildlife Rescue, highlights Pat’s journey as he tackles challenges both on and off the field. You’ll be inspired by his resilience and learn valuable lessons about hard work, dedication, and chasing your dreams.
2. From cricket strategies to wildlife conservation, Pat’s adventures are packed with fun facts and lessons. In Howzat Pat #2: Mission Wildlife Rescue, for example, you’ll learn about the importance of protecting wildlife while enjoying an action-packed storyline. It’s a fantastic way to engage young minds and foster a love for both sports and the environment!
3. Geddes’ delightful illustrations are stunning with vibrant colours and playful designs. The artwork adds an extra layer of fun, making each page a visual treat that complements the narrative perfectly. Kids and adults alike will find themselves drawn into the whimsical world of Pat’s adventures, where every artwork sparks imagination.

Buy a copy of Howzat Pat #1: Dare to Bowl here.

Buy a copy of Howzat Pat #2: Mission Wildlife Rescue here.

About the author:

Pat is captain of the Australian Men’s Test and One Day International cricket teams and has been pivotal in re-shaping team culture and leading them to global success across all formats of the game. Pat has received many global cricketing accolades over the years, most recently being named the 2023 ICC Cricketer of the Year. A successful elite sporting career hasn’t diminished Cummins’ interests off the field. Pat has a keen interest in business and aligns himself with organisations dedicated to creating lasting impact. Pat appreciates he has a responsibility to use his position and influence for the good of others and is committed to supporting initiatives involving education, sustainability, First Nations communities and health. Pat lives in Sydney with his wife, Becky, and son, Albie.

Dave Hartley is an award-winning author and school principal who has worked as an executive leader in the Queensland Department of Education’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander division. A Barunggam man, Dave is also an incredibly talented First Nations artist, and plays the didgeridoo. (He was one of the didgeridoo performers at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2018). He is also sports obsessed! He got his start co-writing an Aboriginal Rugby League superhero story with League player Scott Prince, and co-wrote the award winning Strangers On Country. Otherwise, he and his wife have two grown-up girls, a giant groodle, a sassy spoodle and live on the Gold Coast.

Serena is an international children’s book author and illustrator known for her highly successful middle grade series Lulu Bell, Mia Megastar and Pepper Creek Ponies and picture books We are Matildas, Hope is a Spark and Rosie & Rasmus. She has illustrated over seventy titles! Growing up a reluctant reader, Serena found her brother’s comic collection the perfect escape and encourages reluctant readers to read, through her illustrations and use of visual imagery. Serena also spent six years working as an artist for Walt Disney Studios, on sequel to the Lion King, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and Jungle Book which has enabled her to capture emotion and movement with her characters. In her spare time, she expresses her life through sketches and comics, seeks out humour in her week and is a Creative Wellness Facilitator teaching illustration workshops to adults. Serena works both digitally and traditionally teaching a variety of colourful classes in Sydney to young children and adults.