The Important Things (New Frontier) is the tale of Christopher, who lives with his mother. Christopher’s mother does everything, as his father has faded from their lives. When they give away a box of his father’s old things, a series of events takes place that reveal the different ways in which Christopher and his mother deal with the absent father.
I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind things, the reasons particular things are important to us. An old typewriter might not work anymore but it may have once belonged to a favourite author, or was passed down through generations in the family. The importance of things, and why they are important, is what led me to write this story.
It’s about remembering. It’s about parents. It’s about absence. It’s about the joy of understanding between a mother and a son.
And, most importantly, it’s about slippers.
The Important Things will be released in May 2010
I love this book! I also love Jessica’s Box and Sarah’s Heavy Heart. I like your drawings too.
Thanks, Tylani. Glad you enjoy the books. My next one comes out this Friday 1st October!
Peter
Dear peter
Thank u for writing such a wonderful story.It made me think of pets and people who I loved.It was a wonderful story.
Dear Peter,
We really enjoyed reading your story. It made us think about people and pets that we have lost that were important to us.
Thankyou for writing such a wonderful story.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading it and I’m glad the book allowed you to talk about some important things. I’ll be seeing you soon!
Pete
I can’t help notice the influence of Stephen Michael King in your
characters and illustrations?
Yep, he’s one of the many Australian illustrators that inspire me (see the Blogroll on my Blog page to find some others).
I just bought my copy from The Secret Garden Mark and Gardner Gallery Mt Tambourine. I unfortunately missed your book launch but visited anyway to get a copy and view your art work. I love your story Jessica’s Box. I have an eight year old daughter that sometimes finds it hard to make friends. This is perfect for her. I look forward to reading more of your beautifully written and illustrated picture books.
That’s great to hear Jessica’s Box might help your daughter. Sorry you missed the Tambourine launch – planning another one there for October. Might see you there.
What an awesome thought provoking book – many of our students come from broken homes and they enjoyed the book imensely and the tales that came through after reading it to them about special things in their homes was very heart wrenching or warming, which ever way you look at it
Thanks, Jude. It’s good to hear the kids getting something out of the deeper themes in the book. I think it’s something we shouldn’t shy away from when reading it. Cheers.
Well done, Pete! Sounds great! Congrats!
This story sounds great Pete! I can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations!
Great work Pete – can’t wait to see this one too! You’re doing so well!!
Hey Pete, love the cover art and I’m sure it’s even better inside. Can’t WAIT to read it!
So when is this launched???
Some time in May. Stay tuned.
Having seen a sneak peak of this Peter, I am very impressed. I love this book as much as Jessica’s Box and Sarah’s Heavy Heart.
I can’t wait to see it in print. Congratulations!!