Kangaroo stories for his children inspired new author’s first book.

Yallingup local, Ron T Ellis has recently published his first book, an illustrated children’s story that details the adventures of two Kangaroos, Billy and Joey.

Ellis originally made up the bedtime stories for his two children, Misty and Jesse as they were growing up.

Each night the two toddlers would eagerly await their bedtime stories from mum or dad.

Their favourites were always dad’s stories, about the latest adventures of the local roos, Billie and Joey.

Ellis set his stories in the lands around their Yallingup home.

“The Australian bush, and Indian Ocean were a part of my children’s everyday lives. So that’s where the Billy and Joey adventures happened.” he said.

The activities of Billy and Joey in the stories, often reflected real life events in the local environment such as bushfires in the region.

Ellis thinks that his stories helped his children grow a love, and respect for nature and the environment.

“They learned to be brave and caring, instead of angry or afraid,” he said.

His son, Jesse Ellis said that it was “so cool, that the stories I heard as a kid are now in a book, for a new generation to enjoy.”

Ellis’s stories about Billy and Joey are brought to life in the book, with illustrations from Bunbury artist Deb Wraight.

“This is my third book, and it took us about six months to complete the artwork,” Wraight said.

“I am very keen on promoting conservation, and appreciation of the South West flora and fauna.

“This book was such a joy to work on. I was happy to donate my time on to the project to help Ron get started with sharing his beautiful stories.”

Ellis has dedicated the book to his two children, Misty and Jesse.

“It took some encouragement from his family for Dad to complete the first book,” Jesse said.

Ellis is now working on recalling more Billy and Joey stories so he can publish the next book in the series.

The Billy and Joey book can be purchased from the following outlets, Varda or Seachange in Dunsborough, the Yallingup Coffee shop, or Viva Books in Busselton.