Talent Trouble
Does a talent have to earn applause to count?
Everyone in Eli’s class seems to have a talent. Everyone except Eli.
Ava has music. Noah has drama. Leo has footy. Sienna can turn a paint disaster into a galaxy. Even Miss Stuckey has plenty of talents—along with novelty socks, mysterious rubber ducks and a very sensible fear of ibises.
With the class talent show approaching, Eli tries music, drama, footy, making and even a short Auslan welcome. He can do lots of things—but he isn’t the best at any of them. And if a talent doesn’t earn applause, does it still count?
As plans unravel and his classmates need help, Eli begins to notice something everyone else has missed.
Talent Trouble is a funny, warm and inclusive illustrated chapter book about finding your strengths, helping others shine and discovering that there is more than one way to be talented. Perfect for independent readers aged 7–10 and for reading aloud at home or in the classroom.
Things You’ll Love
- A funny Australian classroom story
- A talent show with a few surprises
- Finding strengths beyond the spotlight
- Friendship and helping others shine
- Novelty socks, rubber ducks and an ibis-wary teacher
- Illustrated chapters for readers aged 7–10
Behind the Story
Renee wrote Talent Trouble as a gift for a close colleague, the teacher she works with. She named Miss Stuckey after her friend and tucked a few personal jokes into the story.
Some of her friend’s previous students had thought her name was Miss Duckey. Say “Miss Stuckey” out loud and you can hear why. That mix-up became an excuse to work lots of ducks into the book.
Her friend is also afraid of ibises after being nipped by one as a child. Naturally, Miss Stuckey needed a very sensible fear of ibises too.
Read a Sample
About the Author
Renee Conoulty writes warm, funny and accessible books for children, families and readers who enjoy stories with heart, humour and a distinctly Australian flavour.
Title: Talent Trouble
Author: Renee Conoulty
Series / Collection: Standalone
Genre: Children's Illustrated Chapter Book / School Story / Humorous Fiction / Self-Discovery
Target Audience: independent readers aged 7–10; families; classrooms; children exploring strengths and self-confidence
Publication Date: 22 September 2026 (ebook); 23 September 2026 (paperback)
Format: Ebook and paperback
ASIN: B0HKPHYCZY
Search Keywords: funny Australian chapter book; illustrated school story ages 7–10; book about finding your strengths; inclusive classroom fiction; talent show chapter book
Summary for Search: Eli tries music, drama, footy, making and Auslan while searching for a talent that feels worthy of applause.
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4E5PYl