Description
Gaolbird
The True Story of William Swallow, Convict and Pirate
It’s 23 October 1821 and convict William Swallow stands on the deck of the Malabar for muster. He is wearing a canary yellow convict uniform and his legs are chained. He’s just completed the 121-day sea voyage from London to Hobart Town, but his wild and audacious adventures have barely begun.
He’ll soon ditch the convict uniform and the chains, take part in a mutiny, become a pirate captain and fool the world in what just might be the most outrageous and unbelievable true story in Australia’s convict history.
Long-listed for Picture Book of the Year, CBCA 2018 (Australia)
Long-listed for ABDA Best Designed Children's Illustrated Book: SImon Barnard 2018 (Australia)
“'A big, beautiful, funny, fascinating thrill-ride of convict esoterica.'”
‘Simon Barnard’s Hogarthian yarn of cunning and hapless convict pirates is no less absurd for being true: the kind of slapstick lunacy that so often passes for actual history. Wonderfully conceived, surprisingly original, terrifically entertaining. Three cheers for Gaolbird!’ -- Shaun Tan
‘A boisterous slice of Australian colonial history…the visual style will appeal to lovers of Horrible Histories or the ever-increasing range of graphic novels.’ Books + Publishing
‘The utterly true tale of escaped convict turned pirate William Walker. There’s grim stuff here but the neat illustrations, regular fact bombs and remarkable tale carry the whole show along.’ New Zealand Herald
‘This beautifully told and illustrated story of William Swallow and convict Popjoy is an historical adventure with a difference.’ National Trust Australia
‘This is an exciting book with a lot going on, both visually and in the story. Readers will enjoy this highly entertaining insight into two incredible characters from Australia’s convict history.’ Reading Time
‘An unusual book inspired by the truth being stranger than fiction...There is a real sense of humour in the story, which could be described as both farcical and tragic. It is certainly memorable.’ Kids Book Review
‘Barnard manages to use the picture book format to capture the historical in a clever and engaging way… A hugely entertaining look at a moment in our history.’ Magpies
‘Simon Barnard employs his superb artistic flair to illustrate this chaotic, comical and calamitous tale.’
Tasmania Historical Research Association Journal
Refund Policy
Refund Policy
Change of Mind Exchanges and Returns
Kidstuff is happy to accept returns for change of mind within 14 days of your purchase. You may either exchange your item for another of the same value, or Store Credit will be issued for the purchase value. Your item must be unused and in the condition that you received it. Tags must still be attached and / or must be returned in it’s original, undamaged packaging and proof of purchase will be required.
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase unless otherwise agreed. Clearance items are unable to be returned unless they are faulty.
All online purchase returns must be accompanied by your original order number, found on your order confirmation. You will be required to pay for return shipping.
Change of mind returns will result in a store credit issued to the value of your purchase. Alternatively you may exchange the returned item for another at the same value or put towards a larger purchase. If you exchange for an item of lesser value, the remainder will be issued as a credit note. Credit notes will be emailed to you and are valid for 90 days.
Please note that credits for change of mind returns do not include the cost of shipping. The cost of shipping is the sole responsibility of the purchaser, and the replacement item will be sent out only once the original item and payment for new shipping has been received. If you are returning goods to Kidstuff please ensure you use a tracked courier as we cannot accept any responsibility for items that don’t arrive.
Faulty Items
If you have purchased an item and it is faulty, Kidstuff reserves the right to repair the item if possible, or replace when necessary. If you have purchased faulty goods via our website please email us at info@kidstuff.net.nz and include a description of the fault and photos. We may need to contact our suppliers and ask for their recommendation. In the event that it is deemed the item is faulty, Kidstuff may provide a courier bag to you in order to return it to us (or to just discard of the item). We will then either repair or replace and get it back to you as quickly as possible.
If we are unable to repair or replace the item with a mutually agreeable solution, a refund will be given. Online orders will be refunded via PayPal if used or via bank transfer or securely via phone using your preferred credit card. These details will not be stored.
