Mike James

I was born in Newport, South Wales in 1972 before moving to Australia in 1980 with my parents and older brother. Everything in life was going along nicely until April 2007 when my son Connor was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour (medulloblastoma). I was devastated when given the news to say the least. Connor endured a six hour operation to remove as much of the tumour as possible. This was followed up by 6 weeks of radiotherapy to the head and spine. He then endured 15 months of chemotherapy.

One night during a stay in hospital for chemo I awoke with the idea to write a series of children's books about a boy who plays rugby named "Bootsie". I wrote down a basic plot on a piece of scrap paper and went back to bed.

I began to write the books once we returned home and didn't stop until eight books were written. Each book is the next year in Bootsie's life.

The bravery Connor showed during treatment is the inspiration for Bootsie. The books along with a rugby theme inspire readers never to give up and always strive for whatever you want in life.

As the reader laughs out loud with the adventures of Bootsie they will be learning many things about the game of rugby union as well including, player numbers, positions, strategies and laws of the game just to mention a few. The books also teach the reader positive lessons about life such as friendship, character, courage, honesty, commitment, discipline and sportsmanship.