Follow the lovable underdog Archie, sharp-witted Pippa, goofball Ollie, and their scruffy dog Kimba on a thrilling mission to solve a ginormous problem in the Australian wilderness. This timeless story showcases nature's beauty and the power of friendship. From wild billycart races to exotic creatures, secret grass tunnels and a bushfire, The Hills Kids offers a journey filled with laughter, suspense, and heart. The novel is perfect for children aged 8 to 12 and reading aloud as a family (7-year-olds also love the story). Share in giggles and excitement while bonding with your loved ones over this tale of friendship, courage, compassion, community, and the underdog. Witness your child's love of reading soar as they become immersed in the imaginative world of The Hills Kids. Written and illustrated by two-time British Academy Award-winning film sound designer Gareth Vanderhope, The Hills Kids is inspired by his childhood memories in the Dandenong Ranges, Australia. Using his sound design experience, Vanderhope harnesses the sonic qualities of words to create atmospheric worlds within the imagination. Children and adults alike will delight in experiencing the exotic sounds of Australian wildlife, such as the famous lyrebird call and laughing kookaburras, artfully woven into the text. The Hills Kids explores exciting themes loved by children worldwide - solving mysteries, picking wild food, crazy adventures, exploring nature, building things, kooky characters, and having fun! Introducing kids to inspirational books during the golden age for reading (ages 6 to 12) is a crucial time for fostering a lifelong love of reading. Reading for pleasure improves creative thinking, emotional intelligence, concentration, empathy, literacy, vocabulary, and numeracy. The Hills Kids is a perfect gateway to the wondrous world of books and reading.