This is the story of the greatest escape artist of Australia's convict era – the legend of Moondyne Joe.

"They'll not take my freedom away!"
These are the words of Moondyne Joe, the beloved scoundrel and expert bushman of early Australian convict history. There wasn't a cell built that could contain him, and Joe often led the troopers on wild chases through the Moondyne Hills.

This is the story of a colourful Australian legend from the award-winning team of Mark Greenwood and Frané Lessac.

Mark Greenwood, who has a passion for history and legends, is the author of many books for children, published both in the United States and in his native Australia. His recent book, The Drummer Boy of John John, was honoured by Kirkus Reviews ("Best of 2012") and the Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee. The Donkey of Gallipoli, illustrated by his wife, Frané Lessac, was a CBC Honour Book and a USBBY Outstanding International Book. His work has twice received the West Australian Premier's Book Award. Jandamarra, illustrated by Terry Denton, was short-listed for the 2014 Children's Book Council Awards. Mark's latest books include The Mayflower, published by Holiday House, and Midnight, published by Walker Books Australia and New Zealand and Candlewick Press in the US.

Frané Lessac is an author and illustrator of international renown, having over forty children's books published throughout the world. She was born in the USA and lived on the Caribbean island of Montserrat and London before moving to Australia. Frané has contributed her distinctive paintings to many critically acclaimed children's picture books, including My Little Island, a Reading Rainbow feature book. Also, On the Same Day in March was named a Top Ten Science Books by ALA Booklist. Frané's contribution to Amnesty International's We Are All Born Free, celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has been translated into more than 30 languages and was a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Her latest books include The Mayflower, written by Mark Greenwood and published by Holiday House, Midnight, to be published by Candlewick Press in 2015 and A is for Australia, published by Walker Books Australia in early 2015.