Global Readers : Author John Williamson-Noble reads Fergus Ferry stories to our young readers

We initially created #GlobalReaders for families in lockdown. It was so popular we are expanding the range of stories for young global Australian readers. These stories are read by John Williamson-Noble.

John Williamson-Noble is the creator of the Fergus Ferry series which he wrote in the early 2000s for his five-year-old son Tom. The stories are inspired by John’s commute on the Rose Bay ferry and based on real experiences on Sydney harbour. Written in rhyming couplets, the books feature colourful illustrations from Peter Townsend, who previously worked on Bananas in Pyjamas. So far, over 60,000 copies of the picture books have reached children. The books are now also available for a digital audience in the form of a mobile app and animations. He hopes to see Fergus Ferry turned into a stage show. “I would love to see a stage show of Fergus. But I don’t know who I need to talk to about that,” he said.

John Williamson-Noble is the author of the Fergus Ferry series which he wrote in the early 2000s for his five-year-old son Tom. The stories are inspired by John’s commute on the Rose Bay ferry and based on real experiences on Sydney harbour. Written in rhyming couplets, the books feature colourful illustrations from Peter Townsend, who previously worked on Bananas in Pyjamas. So far, over 60,000 copies of the picture books have reached children. The books are now also available for a digital audience in the form of a mobile app and animations. He hopes to see Fergus Ferry turned into a stage show. “I would love to see a stage show of Fergus. But I don’t know who I need to talk to about that,” he said.

John has been a partner at law firm Gilbert + Tobin‘s Corporate Advisory Group since 1995.

Recordings

FERGUS THE FERRY

At the wheel is Captain Joe. He shows Fergus where to go. Come with Fergus the brave little ferry as he makes a daring rescue in a wild, wild storm. You can:

Listen to John narrate the story (you can turn the page on the top right hand corner)
Watch the animation.

FERGUS AT THE ZOO

‘Roar, roar,’ says the lion, licking his lips. ‘I’ll have kangaroo, with sauce and chips.’ Help! A lion has escaped from the zoo and he’s chasing a keeper and a kangaroo. Who can save them? Who else but brave, kind Fergus Ferry! You can:

Listen to John narrate the story (you can turn the page on the top right hand corner)
Watch the animation

FERGUS AT THE FIRE

The flames close in, flickering red. ‘If no-one comes, we’ll all be dead.’ Look! A bushfire has trapped some people on South Head. They can only escape by sea. But where are all the boats! It’s fearless Fergus Ferry to the rescue! You can:

Listen to John narrate the story (you can turn the page on the top right hand corner)
Watch the animation

FERGUS AT THE RACE

Captain Joe shouts, ‘Hurry! We have to go fast. If we don’t get a move on we’ll end up last! Fergus and Captain Joe have taken a day off for the ferry race. But can they beat the other big boats? Fergus Ferry has a few surprises for everyone.

Listen to John narrate the story (you can turn the page on the top right hand corner)
Watch the animation

More titles

There are two series of Fergus Ferry stories each with twelve stories. You can listen to John narrate the stories and read along below and watch the animations. There are also Lesson Plans for educators and a link to Explore Sydney Harbour.