Down the Hill to Nan's: A Fractured Fairy Tale
Ruby has a plan.Down the hill. Past Bernie’s. Through the park. Nan’s house.
Easy… right?
But today a cheeky magpie has other ideas, and Ruby keeps hearing a ping that doesn’t make any sense. With her shiny spinner, her sharp noticing, and a very pushy seagull who thinks everything is a chip, Ruby discovers she’s braver (and cleverer) than she feels.
Down the Hill to Nan’s is a funny, coastal Aussie Little Red Riding Hood retelling celebrating kids who notice the details, feel things deeply, and find their way through.
Tropes You'll Love
- Australian coastal small-town adventure
- Animal characters with big personalities
- Humour for kids (and grown-ups too)
- A clever kid who notices the details
- Neurodivergent main character
- Animal mischief (magpie trouble + seagull chaos)
- A comforting grown-up who listens and helps make a plan
- Funny read-aloud sound effects (“PING!” / “WHOOSH!”)
- A familiar fairytale with a fresh Aussie twist (Little Red Riding Hood vibes)
journey story
Behind the Story
Down the Hill to Nan’s is a coastal Aussie reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood—swapping the dark woods for a foreshore park and the Big Bad Wolf for a very determined swoopy magpie.
The story was born from my time working as a teacher’s aide in a special school. I wanted to see the kids I knew—those who notice every detail and feel the world deeply—represented as the heroes of their own adventures. Ruby’s love of routine and her shiny spinner aren't just quirks; they are her strengths. They reflect the way many children use patterns and tools to find their steady ground, and in this story, those tools become the key to her success.
Of course, it’s also a love letter to the quirks of Australian coastal life: the sudden jolt of a magpie’s wings during swooping season, and the inevitable seagull who believes every hot chip in the world belongs to them.
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Buy BookAbout the Author
Renee Conoulty is an Australian author based in Gippsland, Victoria, writing books with humour and heart for all ages. As a regular at local markets, she finds inspiration from the people she meets and the questions of young readers.
Title: Down the Hill to Nan's
Author: Renee Conoulty
Release Date: April 2026
Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Fractured Fairy Tale / Australian Fiction
Themes: Bravery isn’t loud: you can feel worried and still keep going. / Noticing details is a strength. / Problem-solving in the moment (and learning for next time). / Managing big feelings with simple strategies (like a calming object and a clear plan). / Trust, communication, and making rules that help kids feel safe and certain. / Humour helps (even when things get swoopy).
Target Age: 4–8 years (Preschool to Primary School)
Format: Paperback & eBook
Availability: Available in Paperback and eBook via Amazon, Kobo, and major retailers.
Summary for Search: A humorous Australian retelling of Little Red Riding Hood featuring a neurodivergent girl and a magpie instead of a wolf.