An epic story of resilience, staying calm and a surfing koala!
Premium Hardcover edition for ages 3-8
$29.99
Bazza is just a little koala… but he won’t let that stop him as he tackles the big waves.
A beautifully illustrated hardcover book about surfing, self-regulation, and finding courage to try again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated 4.9/5 on Amazon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved by Parents Across Australia
What Aussie Parents Are Saying About Bazza Koala:
See how Bazza is connecting families and helping kids explore, understand their emotions and fall in love with reading.
Introducing Bazza Braves the Waves
A story about courage, calm, and coming back after a wipeout.
At first glance, Bazza Braves the Waves looks like a surfing adventure—and it is.
But beneath the surface is a deeper lesson about perseverance, emotional regulation, and learning to face fear without panic.
In this story, Bazza is inspired by the surfers charging big waves. He wants to be like them, maybe before he’s ready.
He wipes out, gets scared, and wonders if he’s cut out for it.
Anyone who’s been in the ocean knows how the moment can feel bigger than it really is. Waves seem scarier, wipeouts feel longer, and everything is amplified.
This story helps kids understand that fear can exaggerate reality—but if they stay calm, they can regain perspective.
Written by a lifelong surfer, this story includes real techniques used by big wave riders to stay calm—even when things feel overwhelming.
Whether your child surfs or not, this is a story about falling down and getting back up.
It teaches them to relax, breathe, and try again—on the board, at school, or anywhere courage is needed.
What Bazza Braves the Waves Will Teach Your Child:
This book captures kid’s attention through exciting storytelling and engaging, vibrant illustrations all while instilling deep, important life lessons. This is a book so fun they won’t even know their learning! But don’t take our word for it:
Emotional Resilience
Bazza’s journey mirrors every child’s moment of fear and triumph. He falls, he’s scared, and he gets back up — with help and determination.
“This story captures the essence of resilience beautifully… It’s okay to fall and get back up.”
— Brooke Forsythe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazon Verified
Growth Mindset
Bazza doesn’t get it right on the first try. And that’s exactly the point. He learns, adapts, and grows.
“It gently teaches children about perseverance and courage… amazing things happen when we learn from our mistakes.”
— love books (UK)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazon Verified
Love Of Reading
The rhyming rhythm and page-turning tension keep kids engaged — and coming back.
“The rhyming structure made the story enjoyable and helped my child pick up new words.”
— Reader (Aus)
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Amazon Verified
Authentically Aussie
Native Australian animals, set against the iconic Noosa National Park.
“Beautifully illustrated and full of Aussie charm… sure to be loved by all kids of all nationalities.”
— Sophia P
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Amazon Verified
Take Bazza for a Test Ride — On Us
Not ready to commit? No worries.
We’re confident that if you had the book in your paws it would be an easy decision. But, virtually it isn’t so easy so let us make it as easy as possible with this free sneak peek of Bazza Braves the Waves.
This way you can experience the joy, rhymes, and Aussie surf vibes firsthand – The next best thing.
This beautifully designed sample PDF includes the opening pages. Hopefully enough to fall in love with Bazza Koala.
1000s of books sold – 100% self-published
15+ Years Teaching Kids, Joshua Appleby Now Writes Stories to Inspire the Next Generation
Joshua Appleby is a surfer, dad of two boys, and a former instrumental music teacher with over 15 years’ experience in Queensland Colleges. He’s taught countless kids — from nervous beginners to confident performers — how to focus, express themselves, and keep going when things get tough.
His unique combination of creative flair and educational structure is what makes Bazza’s stories resonate. Joshua understands what keeps kids engaged — rhythm, repetition, surprise — and what parents value: meaning, growth, and quality time.
He wrote Bazza Braves the Waves after witnessing how emotional tools like breathwork and mindset made a huge difference in his students’ ability to perform under pressure. Now, through storytelling, he brings those lessons to your living room — or wherever your bedtime stories take place.
Trusted by Teachers, Parents & Kids Alike
they’re used as tools by educators, therapists, and conscious parents across Australia. His unique blend of storytelling, emotional insight, and musical rhythm has proven effective in calming overstimulated minds and making tricky topics like fear and failure accessible to young children.
Educators love Bazza for how easily the story opens up conversations around emotional regulation and bravery. Therapists have praised its usefulness in sessions focused on anxiety, courage, and grounding. And parents? They’re just happy to have a book that’s both fun to read and actually helps their kids grow.
Backed by his years in the classroom and practical experience as a father, Joshua creates stories that meet children where they’re at — and gently guide them forward.
6 Reasons This is Not Just Another Kids’ Book?
This isn’t just another cute story about an animal in board shorts. Bazza Braves the Waves is a layered, intentional book — crafted with real-life techniques, thoughtful language, and a storyline that speaks to both kids and parents alike.
Reason #1
Teaches Real Techniques
The breathing method Bazza uses to stay calm is based on techniques used by professional surfers.
A technique that can be used by surfers of any level or age.
It is a method the author uses still to this day in waves that are pushing his comfort zone. It’s a grounded, realistic strategy that kids can apply even beyond the beach.
Reason #2
Written in Rhyme
The rhythmic, rhyming text helps young readers develop phonemic awareness and vocabulary naturally. Crafted for children aged 3–8, this book supports literacy development at every stage.
Younger children who aren’t reading yet benefit from the rhythm and repetition — it helps with language acquisition and memory.
For kids just learning to read, the rhyming patterns offer cues and confidence.
And for those already reading, it strengthens fluency and introduces more complex vocabulary in a fun, natural way. It’s also a dream to read aloud — whether at bedtime, in the classroom, or swinging in a beach hammock.
Reason #3
Beautifully Illustrated Coastal Adventure
Set in Tea Tree Bay at Noosa National Park, Bazza Braves the Waves brings Australia’s stunning coastline to life with vibrant illustrations and a rich cast of native wildlife.
Every character in the story, from Bazza the brave little koala, to his wise mentor Dave the echidna, and cameos by kangaroos and emus, is a native Australian animal. The landscapes are drawn straight from iconic Aussie settings, creating a world that feels both familiar and magical.
This uniquely Australian story has become a favourite in wildlife park gift stores — including Australia Zoo — as a meaningful keepsake that celebrates nature, adventure, and emotional growth.
Reason #4
Layered Storytelling
At its core, the story is entertaining and engaging. But beneath the fun and action, kids are introduced to themes like
without ever feeling preaching. They won’t even know they’re learning!
Reason #5
Designed for Connection
Whether it’s giggling at Bazza’s wipeout or chatting about what it feels like to be scared, this story opens up emotional conversations in a fun, natural way. It’s also a beautiful opportunity for surfers, beach lovers, and nature-loving parents to share their own passion with their kids. If the ocean is a big part of your world, this book lets you pass that love down in a way that’s playful, positive, and full of heart.
Reason #6
Premium Feel & Format
The hardcover edition is intentionally sized to champion the illustrations, making every page feel immersive and impactful.
With stitched binding and a matte finish, it’s built for real family use — durable enough for repeat reads, gifting, and library visits, but slim enough to fit easily in a day bag or bookshelf.
It’s a tactile, quality picture book that feels as good as it looks.
A Story is for Beach Families, Educators & Little Wild Ones
Bazza Braves the Waves is the perfect choice whether you already have a bookshelf full of bedtime stories but want one that actually helps your kids grow… or you want a meaningful gift your a special little legend will love and return to again and again.
Surf-Loving Families
Pass On the Stoke
Share your love of the ocean through a story that mirrors the joy, fear, and freedom of surfing.
Build Grom Confidence
Arm your little shredder with the tools to stay calm when the waves (or life) get rough.
Surf Culture, Soft Landing
Authentic coastal storytelling without the cheesiness — just heart, humour, and a real message.
Wildlife Lovers
All Aussie Everything
Koalas, echidnas, emus — native characters in real Australian landscapes.
The Gift That Says Home
A beautiful reminder of the coast, perfect for sending overseas or sharing Aussie stories.
Not Just Novelty
This isn’t tourist fluff — it’s a well-crafted, meaningful story that happens to be iconic and local.
Teachers & Educators
Emotional Literacy Made Easy:
Supports social-emotional learning with a relatable story about courage, calm, and trying again.
Engaging for Group Reads:
Rhyme and visual storytelling make it ideal for circle time, classroom discussions, or calming transitions.
Curriculum-Aligned Themes:
Perfect for units on emotions, resilience, growth mindset, or Aussie animals and environments.
Gift-Givers
Memorable & Meaningful:
Not just another toy or throwaway, this is one kids return to and parents love reading.
A Keepsake That Sticks:
Beautifully illustrated, emotionally rich, and made to last. The kind of gift that becomes part of childhood.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Ideal for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, or just-because moments that call for something special.
Intentional Families
More Than Entertainment
This book sparks conversations, not just giggles — and stays with your child long after the last page.
‘Screen-Free, But Still Fun
A true alternative to YouTube and iPads that kids actually ask for again and again.
Daily Growth Without the Lecture
Teaches big emotional skills in a fun, relatable way — without preaching or dumbing it down.
Kids with Big Feelings
Tools That Actually Help
Teaches calming techniques that kids remember — and use — in real life.
Validates Their Experience
A character who feels scared and overwhelmed too, and learns how to handle it.
Confidence Through Repetition
With every reread, the message sinks in a little deeper: you’re braver than you think.
Good enough for a surfing world champion!
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“My son and I read it a couple of nights ago, and when we finished he said, ‘That’s a good book, Dad.’ So that was great feedback.
Bazza’s a classic little Aussie grommie — full of stoke and heart. In his mission to live life to the fullest, he finds the courage to face challenges and chase his dreams.
There’s a lot to love about this little hero. Congrats mate, it’s a great achievement.”
— Barton Lynch, World Champion Surfer Australian Surfing Hall of Fame and Australian Sporting Hall of Fame inductee
What kids gain from this book
Rhyming That Builds Language and Memory
Rhyming stories support early literacy, phonemic awareness, and vocabulary growth. Plus, they’re way more fun to read again (and again… and again).
A Familiar Friend in Tough Moments
Kids often return to the stories that made them feel safe. Bazza becomes that character they carry with them into new challenges — starting school, trying new things, or facing fears. He shows up in their minds when it counts.
Pattern Recognition & Emotional Labelling
The rhythmic language and consistent emotional arc help kids recognise patterns — not just in rhyme, but in how emotions rise and settle. This builds emotional literacy: the ability to identify, name, and move through feelings.
Story-Based Regulation
It’s one thing to talk about staying calm. It’s another to have a character who models it, in rhyme, with a visual cue and a physical technique. Bazza offers more than advice — he shows them how it’s done, in a way that’s easy to imitate.
Cues for Connection Moments
The book builds common language between you and your child. A simple, “Let’s do a Bazza breath,” becomes a shorthand for shared calm. These cues reduce friction, build trust, and strengthen your bond.
A Sense of Belonging
The coastal setting, Aussie characters, and celebration of everyday bravery all reinforce a sense of place, identity, and pride. For Aussie families especially, it’s an invitation to see themselves — and their kids — as part of something courageous and beautiful.
made to love, Made to last
A high-quality hardcover that holds up to love, life, and endless re-reads.
Gifting-Ready
Feels special in the hand and looks beautiful on a shelf — ideal for birthdays, baby showers, and keepsakes.
Stitched Binding
Built for real family use — it stays open without fuss during storytime and resists wear from little hands.
Deluxe Print Quality
Vivid colours, sharp linework, and rich textures bring Bazza’s world to life in stunning detail.
Sized For The Art
Each hardcover is intentionally formatted to champion the illustrations — not too big for a child’s lap, but large enough to feel immersive.
Tough but Slim
Durable enough for library borrowing, daycare backpacks, and endless re-reads — without being bulky.
Apple Bee Books Has a clear mission:
A Dad-Led Publishing Project to Help Families Reconnect
Our big mission at Apple Bee Books is to craft story-driven experiences that pull families closer. Founded by Joshua Appleby — an educator, dad, and lifelong creative — the vision behind Apple Bee is about more than just books on a shelf.
We believe stories are a powerful antidote to disconnection. They create space for slow moments, big conversations, and memories that stick. Every Apple Bee book is designed to be picked up again and again — the kind that kids memorise, quote, and carry with them.
We print in small, high-quality runs, collaborate with incredible illustrators, and obsess over every detail so that what you’re holding is something you’re proud to give. And as an independent publisher, we have the freedom to keep our values at the centre — from character representation to storytelling integrity.
When you buy from Apple Bee, you’re supporting a grassroots business dedicated to making meaningful, beautiful, and lasting things for families like yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
You got Questions, We got answers
Give your little ripper a gift that will entertain, inspire, enrich and connect.
Buy the hardcover edition of Bazza Braves the Waves today — $29.99
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✅ Instant offer to upgrade to the full Bazza bundle at checkout
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