Bureaucratic Act 2023 - Series Overview
Local government is often misunderstood—most people see only the surface, paying rates, watching roadworks or weekend trips to the dump, unaware of the complexities behind the scenes.
The Bureaucratic Act 2023 is an upmarket, literary fiction novel trilogy. The series follows Environmental Health Officer Cassie Black as she navigates the quiet dysfunction of regional council life—balancing increasingly complex environmental health tasks with the everyday absurdities of bureaucracy. She bears the brunt of political sidestepping and corporate bullying, all while striving to deliver the best outcomes for the most people. Cassie’s quiet rebellion exposes the human cost of institutional inertia and the resilience it takes to challenge it from within.
This series blends subtle climate fiction undertones with sharp humour and themes of female empowerment, presenting a layered and realistic portrait of public service.
Book One
Powers of an Authorised Person
Cassie Black is the Senior Environmental Health Officer at Manton Regional Council. Alongside her fellow officers, she navigates the shifting tides of politics and corporate agendas, all while handling the bizarre and often hilarious customer complaints that swamp the Council every day.
Meanwhile, Jo has just stepped into the chaos, starting out in a Business Support role. With only the basics of corporate survival under her belt, she’s quickly thrown into a world where hoarding disputes, sex shop protests, floating houses, and feral pigs are just part of the daily grind. Fortunately, Marshal—the rescued marmalade cat—becomes her unlikely ally, offering comfort through the wild ups and downs of Council life.
Together, both Cassie and Jo face the absurdities and challenges behind the Council walls, discovering that bureaucracy isn’t just about rules—it’s about people, power, and finding your place in the madness.
Farm Animals - Series Overview
Book One
Daisy
Daisy is a curious calf with a big appetite, and her favourite snack of all is daisies!
She lives on a busy farm with her herd and lots of other animal friends. There’s always something going on, but Daisy has one thing on her mind: finding a fresh patch of her favourite flowers.
But one morning, Daisy spots an open gate and can’t resist the chance to explore. She trots through in search of her favourite flowers, hoping to find a patch full of delicious daisies.
Instead, she wanders into the farmer’s flower garden, where everything looks bright and tasty… but looks can be deceiving. A quick nibble teaches Daisy that not every pretty plant is meant to be eaten.
With gentle humour, fun farm facts (like what a baby cow is called and what a group of cows is), and a sweet little lesson about curiosity and care, Daisy is a warm and playful story perfect for early readers and young animal lovers.
Book Two
Poppy
Poppy is a very creative little duckling—but unlike her brothers and sisters who love to splash in the pond, Poppy is scared of the water. Instead, she spends her time making beautiful flower crowns to wear on her fluffy head.
She carefully picks the brightest blooms and weaves them with skill and patience. The others wonder why she won’t join them, but Poppy just isn’t ready… until one day, her dad, the drake, gently shows her the way.
Set on a lively farm with friendly animals and gentle adventures, Poppy is a heartwarming story about facing fears, finding confidence, and celebrating creativity. With playful storytelling, fun duck facts (like what a baby duck is called and where ducks like to swim), this charming tale is perfect for early readers and budding nature lovers.
Join a charming group of young farm animals as they explore their world, discover important life lessons, and celebrate what makes them unique. From Daisy, the curious calf seeking her favourite daisies, to Poppy, the creative duckling learning to face her fear of water, each story brings gentle adventures filled with fun facts and playful storytelling.
Meet Violet, the rebellious lamb who learns it’s okay to stand out, Reed, the energetic foal discovering the muddy fun (and how to clean up!), Muddy, the happy piglet stepping out to explore beyond his stye, and Sandy, the stubborn turtle hatchling who learns when it’s time to listen and ask for help.
Perfect for early readers and little animal lovers, this series combines warmth, humour, and education—offering stories that nurture curiosity, courage, and kindness on a lively farm full of friendship and fun.
Book Three
Violet
Violet is a little white lamb with a playful streak—and she loves to play hide and seek more than anything!
She’s a bit of a rebel, always finding clever new places to hide. Her favourite spot? The patch of purple violets at the edge of the farm. So well does she hide there that her white coat turns a soft shade of purple!
Violet’s mum, the ewe, worries the farmer won’t like her unusual coat. But when the farmer sees Violet, he loves her colourful look—and Violet learns that it’s okay to be yourself and stand out.
Set on a lively farm full of friendship and fun, Violet is a warm and playful story about being proud to be you. Filled with gentle humour, lamb facts (like what a baby lamb is called), and a splash of colour, it’s perfect for early readers and little rebels alike.
Book Four
Reed
Reed is a young foal full of energy and curiosity. After a fresh rain, the puddles in the paddock are too tempting to resist!
Even though he knows he’s not supposed to, Reed races and splashes through the muddy puddles—until he slips and ends up covered from head to hoof in mud.
Worried he’ll get into trouble, Reed comes up with a clever idea. He rolls and rolls and rolls until all the mud washes away, hoping no one will notice his muddy mischief.
Set on a lively farm where adventure is around every corner, Reed is a playful story about learning from mistakes and finding creative solutions. With gentle humour, fun foal facts, and a splash of mud, it’s perfect for early readers and young animal lovers.
Book Five
Muddy
Muddy is a happy young piglet who loves nothing more than wallowing in the mud and munching on tasty food right in his stye.
His parents worry he’s missing out on all the fun beyond the yard, but no matter what they try, Muddy just wants to stay where he feels safe and comfy.
That is, until one day his curious cousins bring back some delicious treats from the farm. The next morning, tempted by the thought of new things to try, Muddy steps out of the stye for the very first time—to explore, forage, and discover the exciting world beyond.
Set on a bustling farm filled with family and friendship, Muddy is a warm story about trying new things and finding your own way. With gentle humour, fun piglet facts, and plenty of mud, it’s perfect for early readers and little adventurers alike.
Book Six
Sandy
Sandy is a turtle hatchling who thinks he knows best. But when the other turtles leave the river as warned by the elder turtle, Sandy decides to stay behind and hide instead.
At first, staying feels like fun—he watches the river rise and enjoys the currents. But when heavy rains cause the river to swell and flood, Sandy soon realises things are getting dangerous.
With the rising water, Sandy finally leaves the riverbank—but finds himself needing a little help. Luckily, the kind farmer is there to rescue him and keep him safe.
Set on a busy farm with gentle adventures and caring friends, Sandy is a heartwarming story about listening, learning, and knowing when to ask for help. Filled with gentle humour and turtle facts, it’s perfect for early readers and little explorers alike.
