Possum and Python

CHILDREN 9-12 Possum and Python is a story from the rain forest, of birth and love and companionship - of a most unusual (but splendid) kind. You can also find out more about Ian's books at http://iansbestchildrensbooks.googlepages.com and http://www.thegreathallofdreams.com

Ian is the fourth generation in his family to become a published author, his maternal grandfather, Bernard Capes, and Bernard's son and uncle, preceding him.
Ian's writing began in secondary school, extending into comedy sketches and lyrics for the stage.
The catalyst for fiction writing was a story a colleague told him about a bunch of kids riding home on the back of a huge horse, which insisted on walking through a dam! 
This led to his first book, Scratcher (1987), published by Heinemann. 
Since then he has written and self-published Lissie Pendle, The Search for Quong, Ranga Plays Australia, The Day and Night Machine, The Package on the Tram,  Possum and Python, Twevven and the big bigger biggest baby burp, and Twevven in a very dangerous situation for children and, for adults, Thomas Bulford's English Companion, Thomas Bulford's Essays on Life, Language & Love, Ranga Plays Australia, The Alone Man and The Wisdom of Harkishen Singh.
Ian has many years' experience in education, project development and management, media concepts and production, and business and creative writing.
He formerly headed TAFE Victoria's curriculum research & development function (after many years primary, secondary, and TAFE teaching), and has various publications (including two Australian Country Papers for international UNESCO conferences and the first report into computer based training in Australia).
He is presently Chairman of Greybold Investing Pty Ltd.
Ian is active in his local community, having being involved in Scouting for more than thirty years, founded a Friends group and is an active member of another, was President of a badminton association for seven years, and has arranged for a group of family and friends to provide long-term support to third-world women seeking financial assistance to grow their businesses.  He received a Commonwealth Community Australia Day Award in 2006.
He has three adult children and nine grandchildren (two adopted from India).