A cheeky, fun, and fast-moving tale of two Lebanese-Australian kids who decide to escape their horrible babysitter by running away...to the other side of the world. "Huda's sitting in the airport lounge, fiddling with our tickets. I can tell she's excited because she has a little smile on her face and she keeps glancing at her pink digital watch. I can't believe we're doing this. I can't believe we're running away from home. Well, we're not really running away. We'll come back. We're running to our parents. On the other side of the world." When their parents have to travel to Beirut unexpectedly, twelve-year-old Akeal and his six siblings are horrified to be left behind in Melbourne with the dreaded Aunt Amel as their babysitter. Things do not go well, and Akeal's naughty little sister, Huda, hatches a bold plan to escape. After stealing Aunt Amel's credit card to buy plane tickets to Lebanon, Huda persuades her reluctant favorite brother to come with her. So begins Huda and Akeal's hair-raising and action-packed journey to reunite with their parents half a world away, in a city they've grown up dreaming about but have never seen.

Huda yawns loudly and stretches out her arms. Almost like she's bored in science class and waiting for the bell to go for lunch. Except we're not at school, we're in police custody. Because of her stupid idea. When her dad loses his job as a security officer and has to work interstate, Huda convinces her brother Akeal to sneak out at night to make mischief. They hope that introducing some minor crime activity into the neighbourhood will force their dad's bosses to hire him back. The dynamic duo begin their crime spree by pushing over bins the night before rubbish collection. They're almost caught - but that's only the beginning of the hot water they end up in. As their activities escalate, will they be able to outsmart the authorities? Huda is brave, but how much is she willing to risk for family unity - and what else might she and Akeal uncover along the way? A thoroughly entertaining story full of hijinks, courage and hilarity. Praise for the CBCA shortlistedHuda and Me: 'An irresistible invitation to young readers to embrace a story that is wonderfully fresh.' RANDA ABDEL-FATTAH 'Sparkling with mischief, adventure and family love, Huda and Me is a gem of a story.' KIRSTY MURRAY 'Big adventure, big laughs and big heart.' NAT AMOORE 'A fresh and tender tale that will leave an imprint on your heart.' OLIVER PHOMMAVANH

SHORTLISTED: 2022 CBCA Book of the Year, Younger Readers Huda's sitting in the airport lounge, fiddling with our tickets. I can tell she's excited because she has a little smile on her face and she keeps glancing at her pink digital watch. I can't believe we're doing this. I can't believe we're running away from home. Well, we're not really running away. We'll come back. We're running to our parents. On the other side of the world. When their parents have to travel to Beirut unexpectedly, twelve-year-old Akeal and his six siblings are horrified to be left behind in Melbourne with the dreaded Aunt Amel as their babysitter. Things do not go well, and Akeal's naughty little sister, Huda, hatches a bold plan to escape. After stealing Aunt Amel's credit card to buy plane tickets to Lebanon, Huda persuades her reluctant favourite brother to come with her. So begins Huda and Akeal's hair-raising and action-packed journey to reunite with their parents half a world away, in a city they've grown up dreaming about but have never seen. A fresh and funny story of sibling love, adventure and courage, Huda and Me is one of a kind. 'An irresistible invitation to young readers to embrace a story that is familiar at times, and wonderfully fresh and new at others.' RANDA ABDEL-FATTAH 'One minute you're laughing out loud and the next you're wiping away a cheeky tear. Big adventure, big laughs and big heart.' NAT AMOORE 'Sparkling with mischief, adventure and family love, Huda and Me is a gem of a story.' KIRSTY MURRAY 'A fresh and tender tale that will leave an imprint on your heart. I'm sure readers will relate to Akeal's hilarious and loving family, led by the loud and proud Huda. I absolutely adore this book.' OLIVER PHOMMAVANH