The Book

Perth Hills micro publisher, Dragonfly Publishing, is thrilled to announce the launch of Hoo Hoo, Squawk Squawk! the second book in the “Hoo Hoo” series written and illustrated by Perth creative, Maria Blackman. Hoo Hoo, Squawk Squawk! is an engaging children's picture book filled with onomatopoeia that takes young readers on another adventure with Little Boo, the playful and mischievous Tawny Frogmouth from Hoo Hoo, Peekaboo!

When Little Boo learns how to make a big SQUAWK, she just wants to make non-stop noise. But her constant noisemaking disrupts the peaceful nighttime bush, and Mumma Frogmouth and the other grown-ups are not amused. Little Boo finds an exciting new friendship with Harley the Motorbike Frog, who shares her love of loud noises. Together, they set off through the Australian bush having fun with squawks and croaks. However, it’s not just angry grown-ups that they must look out for. Could predators be hiding in the bush? Luckily their loud noises come in useful, and Little Boo makes her way safely back to Mumma after lots of noisy fun.

The Author

Maria Blackman is a writer and illustrator living on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar (Perth, Western Australia). She is a lifelong bookworm who studied art and then later became a high school English teacher. Becoming a parent rekindled her passion for creating her own art and stories. Being immersed in children’s literature, she began drawing and writing again. She loves the tactile experience of working with traditional illustration mediums and having fun writing stories that children (and grown-ups) can relate to. When a Tawny Frogmouth flew into her front garden one night, it became the inspiration behind Little Boo and her adventures as a cheeky Tawny Frogmouth chick. Maria is not sure where that original Tawny Frogmouth is now, but she is lucky to live near an urban wetland with many Tawny Frogmouths and other wildlife. Her first picture book, Hoo Hoo, Peekaboo! was published in 2023. Hoo Hoo, Squawk Squawk! will be published in March, 2025.

The Event

This free launch event includes author talk, book sales and signings, and complimentary refreshments.