Story Book 1
The New Playground
Story Book 2
The Four Square Challenge
Story Book 3
Footy Fever
New!
Be Wise Story Book Lesson Plans
Classroom resources to help kids develop social skills that foster safety and respect.
Thoughtfully designed teacher-led classroom learning and activities that are age-appropriate, featuring activity sheets, printables, and role-play scenarios.
Supporting the next generation
Our story books form a critical part of our Be Wise Education program by introducing children to our important messages of Be Wise, think carefully and act kindly. It is very important that from the earliest possible age, children are taught and learn to understand that physical aggression is never okay.
Story Books Bundle
$60.00
Buy your story books today
The Pat Cronin Foundation story books are available from our online shop for $20 each, or just $50 for all three in the Story Books Bundle. Schools can contact us for an extra 20% discount code.
Extend the learning with tailored activities
Author Maureen Hyland is a primary school teacher with a wealth of experience in educating young children. In fact, Maureen even taught Pat many years ago. As well as capturing the important lessons in these stories, Maureen has prepared a series of activities to compliment each book and help children engage with the important messages they deliver. View the individual book pages in the Shop to see the activities.
Pat Cronin Foundation Story Books Launch
Author’s note
A boy with little spikes of blonde hair, eyes that sparkled with curiosity and the cheekiest of smiles—that’s the image of Pat that warms me; that breaks me; that inspires me. Pat was 5 years old when he started attending the school I taught at. I first met him in the playground, dressed in his blue and yellow uniform; this happy, caring, fun-filled little boy seemed ready to take every day of life in his stride—and he did.
While these stories are fictional, I have drawn on my knowledge of Pat, his personality and his life, and included some features that reflect the young man being honoured in these books. Throughout the series of books, I have used the name Patch for the main character as this was one of Pat’s nicknames. Another of Pat’s nicknames, bestowed upon him by his football coach, was Skipper. The owl in the story, a creation of Pat’s, has been honoured with the same nickname. The colours of the school and football uniforms were worn by Pat. Every word in these books is dedicated primarily to Pat, but also to his parents Matt and Robyn, his sister Emma and brother Lucas who have vowed to ensure Pat will always be remembered. Inspired by a beautiful image every day—what a privilege this has been for me.
— Maureen Hyland
Message from the Cronin Family
A huge thanks goes out to all involved in bringing these books to life including our author Maureen Hyland, the illustrator Bruce Rankin, the passionate team of volunteers from Pearson Publishing including Casey McGrath, Anne Donald, Michelle Thomas, Lauren Smith, Alicia Dudley, Kerry Nagle, Rebecca Harris, Sophie Sirninger-Rankin, Benjamin Harris and Jennifer Johnston.
Thanks also to Keenan Archer and his team at Minuteman Press Abbotsford for the printing of the books.
Finally, let’s always remember the reason for why the Pat Cronin Foundation exists and that is for Pat.
Be Wise.
Together we can end the Coward Punch.
— Matt, Robyn, Emma and Lucas
Story books reviews
