About the stories Joyful Adventures
Bert’s Adventure Stories is a joyful Australian picture-book series for children aged 3–6, celebrating friendship, curiosity, gentle bravery and a sense of adventure.
Each story follows Bert — a curious young adventurer — as he explores new places, meets delightful characters and discovers a little magic along the way.
Through warm storytelling and enchanting illustrations, Bert’s adventures encourage young readers to be curious, embrace new experiences and discover the joy of friendship.
🏆 Award Recognition
Bert’s Adventure in Bubbly Forest — Finalist, 2025 UK Wishing Shelf Book Awards
- Pre-School Picture Book Category
✨ Judged by children — for children’s enjoyment 💛
The Creators
Author, Nicole Steyn
Nicole Steyn is an Australian children’s author and creator of the Bert’s Adventure Stories picture-book series for children aged 3–6. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Nicole lives with her family and two much-loved furry friends.
Like the adventurous Bert from her books, Nicole enjoys exploring new places and meeting new people during weekends and holidays, always on the lookout for inspiration for her next children’s story.
Her debut picture book, Bert’s Adventure in Bubbly Forest, is a Finalist in the 2025 UK Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This story was inspired by her own childhood spent exploring the forest beside her home, where dreams of magical places and curious creatures first sparked her imagination.
Alongside writing, Nicole works in education and is passionate about nurturing a love of reading in children of all ages, believing that stories can inspire joy, courage, curiosity and creativity.
I love connecting with early learning centres, schools, libraries and reading groups. If you're interested in author visits, storytime sessions, or more classroom activities inspired by Bert’s stories, I would love to hear from you!
Amanda Letcher from @TwoAndThreeCreations is an amazing children's book illustrator and book designer.
Amanda loves to use texture and colour, and cleverly uses the hand drawn feel of 'traditional art' in her illustrations, which she has done magnificently with Bert’s Adventure in Bubbly Forest.
Amanda has captured the essence of Bert and the Bubble Monster brilliantly, and in the words of a reader from the 2025 Wishing Shelf Book Awards…
“The pics look AMAZING! And the monster isn’t scary which is good for kids.” Boy, aged 7.
Illustrator, Amanda Letcher
We look forward to sharing Bert’s next adventure with you soon. Watch this space!
Reviews 
“A joyful and imaginative picture book that instantly draws readers into a vibrant, whimsical world. With its charming illustrations and heartwarming storyline, this delightful tale explores themes of bravery, curiosity, and friendship.”
The Book Muse, Ashleigh Meikle - Website
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