AustLit

'Bill and Matty are neighbours. And best friends. Together they share their deepest, darkest secrets and lean on each other when things aren't right at home.

'Bill is missing his father and having a hard time at his new school. And Matty is realising that her family is not quite the same as everyone else's.

'But when new girl Isabella decides she wants Bill all to herself, Bill and Matty discover what true friendship means.' (From the publisher's website)

Bill and Matty are the best of friends. Matty is headstrong, willful and entertaining; Bill is loyal, patient and devoted to Matty. They are also neighbours which means their lives are intertwined and daily "thinktanks' are held in Matty's backyard bath.

'When Bill learns that his father is coming home from jail, his world is tipped upside down. How will the kids at school take the news? And, most importantly, how do Bill and his mother feel about his dad being home? Worries start to mount but the ever-watchful Matty has an idea to help Bill keep his dad on the straight and narrow. However, life doesn't always go according to plan ...

'An enchanting story of friendship, courage and trust from one of Australia's favourite storytellers.'  (Publication summary)