My Deadly Boots

My Deadly Boots is a joyous and empowering Aboriginal children's picture book by Jaru/Kija man Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler, with vibrant illustrations by Samantha Campbell.

When a young Aboriginal boy finally gets the footy boots he has been saving for, he feels unstoppable. His new boots make him feel confident, powerful and “deadly”, and he wears them everywhere.

But when his beloved boots go missing, he begins to wonder where his confidence has gone too.

With the help of his grandfather, he discovers that his real strength doesn't come from what he wears. It comes from within himself, his family, his culture and his connection to Country.

My Deadly Boots is an uplifting story about self-esteem, identity, confidence, family and belonging, told through the familiar world of football and life in the Australian outback.

The rhythmic text and colourful illustrations make it an engaging read-aloud for young children, while the story creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about what makes us feel confident and where our strength comes from.

Why You'll Love It

• Builds confidence: Encourages children to recognise the strength they already have within themselves.

• Celebrates identity: Explores culture, family, belonging and connection to Country.

• Perfect for young football fans: Uses footy boots and sport to create a relatable story about self-belief.

• Great for conversations: Opens discussions about confidence, identity, friendship and what makes us feel strong.

• A powerful First Nations story: Created by First Nations authors and illustrator with strong connections to Aboriginal culture and community.

Book Details

• Title: My Deadly Boots

• Authors: Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler

• Illustrator: Samantha Campbell

• Author's heritage: Jaru/Kija

• Publisher: Lothian Children's Books / Hachette Australia

• Format: Paperback

• Pages: 24

• ISBN: 9780734424419

• Published: 27 January 2026 — current paperback edition

• Age: 5+

• Genre: Aboriginal Children's Picture Book

• Themes: Confidence, self-esteem, identity, family, culture, Country, sport and belonging

My Deadly Boots is a wonderful choice for families, educators and libraries looking for Aboriginal children's books about confidence, identity, self-esteem, family and connection to Country.