This is a gentle, thoughtful story about friendship, family, social and self-acceptance. Young Joey finds it hard to fit in and so too does Ruzica who is an Australian born to Serbian parents. When Ruzica invades Joey’s private sanctuary, life becomes tense, but they eventually become friends giving both children courage and understanding of others. Underlying the story there is a strong flavour of the Serbian culture through Ruzica and her father. Murray creates characters with depth that lingers in the reader’s mind.

1. Cross Cultural Relations
2. Empathy
3. Family
4. Friendship