Your book | Our mission

There's a book inside everyone. So what's your story?

Lorraine de Kleuver

Lorraine de Kleuver, a well-established children’s book author and illustrator, has recently expanded her repertoire to include adult novellas. Her new book, The Reluctant Deckhand, is a captivating account of her experiences sailing with her husband.
Lorraine’s work celebrates the Australian way of life, indicating her deep love for Australian culture, people, and wildlife. Her stories take her readers on entertaining and educational adventures that showcase the beauty of local wildlife and landmarks, making them a source of pride for her readers.
Lorraine was a nurse in her former life. Now, she embraces her passion, sharing the beauty of the places she visits with her readers. Her stories remind us that humanity can accomplish great things in adversity by coming together. Lorraine’s stories are full of humour, Australian culture, and real wildlife and environmental concerns.

Lorraine grew up in the Gippsland country and has spent her adult life in and around Melbourne's cultural hub. She has embraced her inner child through writing fun and imaginative stories. With the unwavering support from her husband and her faithful pup, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Pip, she shares her love of writing with children and adults alike. Lorraine continues to develop her fabulous collection of tales that pay homage to the world at our door. Her works include The Adventures of Felix and Pip, the COO-EE Trilogy, and her newly written The Reluctant Deckhand.

About the book

The Reluctant Deckhand

Persist, even when the odds are against you. That’s the motto of Lorraine de Kleuver’s new book. The Reluctant Deckhand is a true story based on the author’s experiences sailing with her husband. From gradually overcoming her fears and seasickness to gaining more confidence in assisting Commodore through the harsher elements, these sea tales are eye-opening; good safety practices are essential to a good sail, making it out and home again. When her husband (Commodore) is let down by those who would help him sail his new yacht from Queensland to Melbourne, Lorraine does not want the onus to fall on her shoulders. The Reluctant Deckhand celebrates the beauty and ruggedness of a sail and the essential work Australian coastguards do as they patrol the coastline.
Lorraine has written ten humorous and educational children’s picture books celebrating life in Australia. As she branches into a new genre of storytelling, she brings along that humour and knack for telling a good story. The Reluctant Deckhand is an enthralling novella, evidencing the importance of teamwork and showcasing local knowledge that might inspire you to explore land and sea and discover more of this beautiful country.

Other books by this Author:

Felix the Water rat and the Rescue of Purr-fect

The Adventures of Felix and Pip – The Missing Baby Dragon

The Adventures of Felix and Pip – Trouble at 'Joanna Shipwreck'

The Adventures of Felix and Pip – When the Uneverythingable Happened

The Adventures of Felix and Pip – Blue Moon over Raymond Island'

The Adventures of Felix and Pip – COO-EE Call from the Bush

The Swans of Paynesville Opp Shop

The Adventures of Felix and Pip – COO-EE Call to Friends