Bøker av Dave Adair

Priya the Platypus - On the Move follows in the webbed feet steps of an eight year old platypus named Priya.The story takes place in the countryside of New South Wales, Australia. It is told from the point of view of an eight year old platypus named Priya. Priya and her fellow platypus friend Prunella, lead a nomadic life due to environmental threats, such as land clearing and bush fires. A range of different wildlife who calls New South Wales their home is also impacted by these environmental concerns. These creatures include Bruce the brushturkey and a green and golden bell frog called Georgina.The reader gets to explore the interesting habitat of the platypus, whilst at the same time, enjoying a true to life based story featuring the wondrous creatures of Australia. Laney the long-nosed bandicoot will delight with her intriguing pouch, as she tries to find a forever home. This is where the theme of nature lending a helping hand is thoroughly explored, as Prunella, Laney, and Bruce the brushturkey assist the other creatures forced to flee from land clearing or bush fire devastation.The theme of nature sticking together and that the life of New South Wales creatures isn't always what you read in nature books, flows through the story like a stream. Friendship is also covered thoroughly through Priya's relationship with Bruce, Georgina and Prunella, alongside others.There is an environmentally conscious theme that is explored through warnings about the devastation that land clearing and bush fires can cause to habitats. The main theme of pulling together to get through trouble and strife comes out, as a range of animals group together to find new homes.This book is aimed to support independent reading for those aged seven and upwards. It is a great story to start off on independent reading, and to begin a journey in habitat learning.*Advisory NoteThis story is designed to reflect the reality of nature in the habitat in which it is set. Therefore, some scenes such as Priya's fight for survival against Walter the water rat, in the first chapter, may require some parental commentary. This said the chapter goes to great lengths to explain the events that are happening and the rules of nature dictating this behaviour.

Self Stirred Conscience is part of the 'Play(s) Time' series that also includes the collection of four short, Northern English plays; 'Shorts'. This series aimed at increasing the accessibility of play scripts for readers. It is a series inclusive of plays that can be read indepedently or performed at a drama or theatre club.Self Stirred Conscience is a collection of two plays, incorporating conscience as a theme in each play.Conscience CourtA monologue for 1 female, lasting upwards of 35 minutes. Music is an important element to this play, as it sets the tone and mood. A playlist can be found within the play.The 'Conscience Court' is a facility available to those who feel that the legal system has done them an injustice. The Court has the ability to expunge convictions where it feels that a moral wrong has been perpetrated by the system upon an individual. Elena, a shop assistant of Bulgarian descent, feels that she has been un fairly treated by the boss of the packaging factory, where she was employed and puts her case to the Court. Her plea is to the audience (the Court) relating her story and reasoning as to why the outcome should rule in her favour. Slips are handed to the audience with a "Yes/No" voting choice so that a decision is taken and a result made known. A thoroughly engaging monologue with a presentational twist.Self StirredLooks into the new topic of the changing face and nature (for the good???) of coffee shops, whilst at the same time, addressing older themes such as letting go and betrayal as an integral part of friendship. Lisa cuts a lonely figure in a modern coffee shop, aloof and inaccessible, as friends Roy and Alan and business partners Laura and Ellie, try to break through the mist that surrounds Lisa. As they do so they become slightly lost themselves and each one begins a quest for clearness and clarity. Alan's Siderodromophobia (fear of trains) takes him and the audience on a compelling journey of discovery. It is often an unlikely source that helps you overcome your worst fears!The theme of story selling is given an oblique perspective, as morals and consciences are tested and personalities begin to collide. Who is taking who for a ride, or is each one just waiting for the right train?The above two plays are perfect to form part of this offering that explores the theme of the conscience. Dry humour decorates both of these offerings in order to make the serious topics covered entertaining, as well as authoritative.Don't judge a book by its cover, but judge the characters in it by their actions.