Miss Stayput

A children's book about standing up to bullies and taking control of our lives

Miss Mary Stayput lives in Station Street, Camberwell, with her pets in a pretty little cottage surrounded by a big bushy garden. One day she receives a letter that threatens to turn her life upside down, but Miss Stayput is determined not to give in to the forces of "progress". With the support of her animal friends, Miss Stayput fights to preserve her life of happiness and tranquillity. Miss Stayput's story inspires us to fight back against forces that threaten to overrun our lives.

Miss Stayput could be enjoyed by children of any age but is designed principally for older primary school readers (aged 5-12.). It is inspired by real life events which occurred in the early 1970s, in Melbourne, Australia. The facts of the actual events have been modified to engage children in the story's main themes of assertiveness, resistance against powerful forces, anti-materialist values and protection of the natural environment. Other themes interwoven into the story include loyalty to friends, qualities of strength and assertiveness in women, and mental strength and resilience. Learning to fight back against bullying is another aspect to this story which children can connect with and take out into their present and future lives.