International Women’s Day Spotlight ✨ As we continue the countdown to International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re celebrating inspiring women from our Aussie STEM Stars series. Today: Gisela Kaplan 🐦🔬 — bird and primate scientist. Growing up in post-World War II Germany, Gisela faced significant challenges, yet her curiosity and compassion for living things never faded. Today, she is a world-leading expert in animal behaviour, known for her groundbreaking research on Australian magpies, tawny frogmouths and primates. Professor Kaplan is on a mission to show us just how intelligent and surprising birds are — and why protecting them matters before time runs out for many species. Her story is brought to life for readers aged 9–13 by author Emily Gale 📚 — encouraging young readers to observe closely, ask questions and care deeply about the natural world. More remarkable women in STEM coming as we count down to March 8. #BalanceTheScales #IWD2026 #AussieSTEMStars #GiselaKaplan #WildDingoPress

Books that stand their ground | Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch by Katia Ariel What does it mean to honour a life? Blending biography, memoir and cultural history, Ferryman tells the remarkable story of Ephraim Finch OAM — a deathworker, community builder and guardian of Jewish ritual for more than thirty years. Drawing on handwritten journals and intimate interviews, Katia Ariel explores grief, belonging, faith and service with tenderness and depth. This is a book about mortality — and about the quiet, steadfast people who help others navigate it. At a time of social fracture and cultural division, Ferryman reminds us of the power of compassion, ritual and community. “A compassionate portrait of a man who has spent a lifetime in service of his community.” — Hannah Kent Have you read Ferryman? What stayed with you? #Ferryman #KatiaAriel #WildDingoPress #AustralianLiterature #BooksThatStandTheirGround @katia_deer

International Women’s Day Spotlight ✨ As we begin the countdown to International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re celebrating inspiring women from our Aussie STEM Stars series. Today we honour Fiona Wood 🔬 — Australian plastic surgeon, burns specialist and co-inventor of revolutionary spray-on skin. From growing up in Yorkshire to leading the Burns Unit at Royal Perth Hospital, Fiona faced prejudice and sexism but persisted. Her groundbreaking work transformed the treatment of burns worldwide and helped save lives after the Bali bombings. Her story is brought to life for readers aged 9–13 by award-winning author Cristy Burne 📚 — showing young readers what determination, courage and science can achieve. More remarkable women coming as we count do#wilddingopress @fiona_wood_foundation @cristyburne #BalanceTheScales #IWD2026 #AussieSTEMStars #FionaWood #WildDingoPress

Have you discovered our Aussie STEM Stars? Fifteen inspiring biographies. Fifteen Australian STEM leaders. One powerful message: curiosity can change the world. Written for readers aged 9–13 by award-winning children’s authors, the Aussie STEM Stars series explores childhood, school, family influences, setbacks, breakthroughs and the real impact these scientists and innovators have had on Australia and beyond. These are stories about persistence, problem-solving and possibility — perfect for classrooms, libraries and curious middle-grade readers. Have you collected the full set? We offer a special price on all 15 books, or you can pick and mix your favourites. Website link in bio. #AussieSTEMStars #WildDingoPress #loveozmg #middlegradebooks #BooksThatStandTheirGround

Books that stand their ground. The Cherry Picker’s Daughter: A Childhood Memoir by Aunty Kerry Reed-Gilbert is an extraordinary portrait of growing up Aboriginal on the fringes of outback NSW in the mid-twentieth century. Told in the child’s voice and in the vernacular of her Mob, Aunty Kerry shares a story of love, loss, dispossession and survival — raised by her beloved ‘Mummy’ after losing both parents, and living under the shadow of the Protection Laws. This second edition is essential reading for school libraries, classrooms and all Australians seeking a deeper understanding of our shared history. As Anita Heiss writes: “A book all Australians should read.” Discover more on our website. Link in bio. #thecherrypickersdaughter #auntykerryreedgilbert #fiction #indigeneousstories #wilddingopress

We're delighted that Susan Francis will be talking about her wonderful book REVELATION BEACH at the Newcastle Writers Festival. The book delves into the legacy of the Balibo Five and a decades-old conspiracy surrounding Indonesia's invasion of East Timor. It's a gripping novel and we encourage you to read it. For those of you based in the Newcastle area, we encourage you to get tickets for this special event. @susanfranciswriter 🗓️ Sunday 29 March 2026 ⏰ 4:00-5:00pm 📍University of Newcastle NUspace X301, Level 3, Cnr Hunter & Auckland streets Newcastle NSW 2300 🎟️ tickets via @newcastlewritersfestival #susanfrancis #newcastlewritersfestival #revelationbeach #authorevent #whatsonnewcastle

New here? Let us introduce ourselves. Founded in 2010, Wild Dingo Press is an independent Australian publisher based in Melbourne. We publish fiction and non-fiction that stand their ground — books that explore social, cultural, political and environmental issues, and amplify voices too often overlooked. We’re also proud publishers of the Aussie STEM Stars series for readers aged 9–13. These inspiring biographies celebrate Australia’s scientists, engineers, inventors and researchers — the quiet achievers shaping our future. Each title is written by an award-winning children’s author and brings real Australian STEM leaders to life for the next generation. Because science matters. Stories matter. And who we choose to publish matters. You can order our books from your local bookshop, your preferred online bookseller, or directly from us. Our website link is in our bio. #WildDingoPress #AussieSTEMStars #IndependentPublisher #AustralianBooks #BooksThatMatter

📚❤️ Happy Library Lovers’ Day — 14 February Today is all about celebrating the libraries that expand our horizons, connect community and spark a lifelong love of reading. From the quiet corners where you lose yourself in a great book to the tech, programs and friendly help on offer — libraries are places of curiosity, learning and welcome for everyone. They’re where ideas take root, conversations begin and stories find readers of all ages. Whether your best memory is finding that perfect book, recording family history, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a new author — there’s a lot to love about libraries. Tell us what you love most about your local library — a book, a moment, a person who made a difference. 💛 #LibraryLoversDay #LibrariesTransform #LibraryLove

Backlist Spotlight | The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif Fifteen years on, this bestselling memoir by Najaf Mazari and Robert Hillman remains as powerful and relevant as ever. From shepherd boy in Afghanistan to asylum seeker in Woomera Detention Centre, and ultimately to small business owner in Melbourne, Najaf’s story is one of resilience, courage and generosity of spirit. It was the first book-length account written by one of the many refugees who arrived in Australia this century — and it continues to move readers. If you haven’t read it yet, now is the time.

If you're in the Newcastle region, make sure you don't miss this event with Toni Jordan, Paula McLean and our very own Susan Francis talking to Maeve Marsden about Writing Fiction from Life. Susan's book about the Balibo Five - Revelation Beach - is out now. See the Newcastle Writers Festival website for details and tickets. @susanfranciswriter @newcastlewritersfestival #revelationbeach #fiction #writingfictionfromlife #newcastlewritersfestival #authorevent