Paddy O'Melon

The endearing story of a young rain forest kangaroo, separated from his mother as a joey, and his quest to find his way home.

Julia Cooper was born in the UK but moved to Queensland, Australia, where she worked in wildlife education and rehabilitation. Together with her partner, Martin Cohen, she was always busy caring for native animals ranging from flying-foxes to pademelons, wallabies to micro-bats, possums to bandicoots. Julia’s passion was also for educating people, especially children, about the wonders of the natural world and the need for us to look after our native wildlife. Sadly, in 2011 Julia passed away from an auto-immune disease, leaving this story as part of her legacy. By publishing this book, her partner Martin hopes to keep both Julia’s spirit and message alive. 
Daryl Dickson is an award-winning painter and illustrator with a passion for the natural environment and wildlife rehabilitation. Originally from London, she now lives in Far North Queensland. She has received an Australia Day Award for her work in environmental education, wildlife rescue, Cassowary Award, and the Drawing prize at the Hinchinbrook Bird Life Art Awards. Unsurprisingly, all of Daryl’s illustration work involves nature and animals, such as the picture book Paddy O’Melon: The Irish Kangaroo. She now works full-time producing original artworks and a range of wildlife cards and prints. Her greeting cards & artwork prints are popular with tourists are from around the world including the USA, Europe and NZ. Daryl and her husband devote much of their time to caring for injured native animals. Their home is shared with an amazing diversity of wildlife, providing endless inspiration, interest and color which she channels into her artwork.