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  • Published: 4 July 2023
  • ISBN: 9781761340611
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 24
  • RRP: $24.00

Khawaja




A stunning picture book celebrating the achievements of cricketing hero, Usman Khawaja, based on Paul Kelly’s viral YouTube performance.
youtube.com/watch?v=jlQG4LLgivg

Sing along with iconic singer-songwriter Paul Kelly as he pays tribute to one of Australia's great sporting heroes.

Usman Khawaja wasn’t just the first Muslim and first Pakistani-born Australian to receive an Australian Cricket Test baggy green cap, he won hearts all over again in 2022 when he made a pair of stunning Test centuries after believing he would never represent his country in cricket again.

Perfect to gift, read-aloud or sing! This inspirational story, written by an absolute legend of Australian music, highlights perseverance, self-belief and the power of sport and song to bring Australians together.

'I hope people have fun with it, with the pictures, words and singing!' Paul Kelly

  • Published: 4 July 2023
  • ISBN: 9781761340611
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 24
  • RRP: $24.00

About the authors

Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly was born in Adelaide, one of nine children, in 1955. He wrote his first song in 1976 and has been making records since 1978, over thirty to date. He has collaborated with many other songwriters and written music for film and theatre.
His prose has appeared in Meanjin, The Monthly, Rolling Stone and The Age, and in 2010 he published a ‘mongrel memoir’, How to Make Gravy. His most recent studio album is Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train, released in 2021.
www.paulkellystore.com.au

Avinash Weerasekera

Avinash Weerasekera grew up in Sri Lanka, but now lives in Melbourne. He is an accomplished commercial illustrator, cartoonist and fine artist who works in digital and paint. He previously drew street portraits/caricatures in Melbourne and studied Architecture at RMIT University. He recently published his debut book What to Expect When You’re Immigrating, a collection of cartoons and social commentary.

Praise for Khawaja

Avinash Weerasekera's sleek illustrations pop off the page [and] Usman Khawaja's cricketing journey, as told by Paul Kelly in Khawaja, is a story of patience and practice well worth experiencing.

Sarah Steed, Kids Book Review

One Australian hero has celebrated another . . . honouring the achievements of cricketer Usman Khawaja.

Rolling Stone

Now in picture book format so all little cricket lovers can have it forever at their fingertips . . . the message of dedication, hard work, going-back-to-basics to make things better, application and commitment . . . will remain with the reader and inspire them.

Barbara Braxton, The Australian Teacher Librarian Network