BOOK TWO HAS ARRIVED! "THE UNFORTUNATE RETURN OF CRIMSON HOBART" ORDER HERE
"Kinard’s use of real-world geography mixed with fantasy elements gives the whole book an almost timeless feel, like a modern-day Narnia with a dash of Roald Dahl’s mischief."
- K.C. Finn, for Readers' Favorite
"The plot does a great job of engaging readers and giving them interest in the story. The attention to detail is particularly impressive; the vivid descriptions and immersive world-building made it feel as though I was part of the story itself."
- Writer's Digest
THE WANDERING ADVENTURES AT HOBART MILL
Eleven-year-old Malachi’s life immediately shifts after a horrible accident, and he must relocate from New York City to the other side of the world. Now, residing in Tasmania on an isolated beach outside of town, Malachi must make a new home with his outgoing and adventurous great-grandmother, Granny Annie.
​
One day, when Malachi decides to journey deeper into the Tasmanian forest than ever before, he discovers an abandoned mill. Curious, he steps across the threshold of the eerily high iron gates and stumbles upon a group of other-worldly characters. Together, they magically transport to a foreign land where the line between imagination and reality is blurred—where legends, folklore, and mythology come to life—and the promise of returning home is not guaranteed. ​​
​
The Wandering Adventures at Hobart Mill is an adventurous debut novel exploring the mysteries of childhood and imagination, coping through grief and loss, travel and intercultural relationships, and finding and establishing trust amongst your tribe.​
"The Wandering Adventures at Hobart Mill is a gorgeously written tale, filled with action, adventure, life lessons, wonderful illustrations, and inspiring characters. Dustin C. Kinard's debut middle-grade adventure is more about the journey than the destination, and the legends, folklore, and mythology that come to life. This compelling story invites young readers to be curious, brave, and adventurous and explore new things, places, and cultures.[...] You can join Malachi, his trusty Tasmanian devil sidekick, and the Bogos on an extraordinary adventure where you'll meet a giant, a serpent with five heads, a sharkman, a prehistoric turtle, and more. This story is for anyone with an adventurous spirit."
​
-Emma Megan, for Readers' Favorite
THE UNFORTUNATE RETURN OF CRIMSON HOBART
It is the holiday season in Tasmania, and Malachi is preparing for a visit from his best friend, Theo, from New York City. Nervous about introducing Theo to the furry magical creatures he’s befriended at Hobart Mill, Malachi braces for his worlds to collide when, suddenly, one of the creatures goes missing.
​
As soon as Malachi and Theo begin searching for their lost friend, they find themselves immersed in a world intertwined with the lore and legends of India. Amongst the chaos of an unfamiliar culture, Malachi must also learn to navigate the world as a chosen Traveler with the power of the Traveler's Key. With the help of some eclectic figures along the journey, the group encounters a villain that none of them saw coming and the secrets that surround it.
​
The second book in the Hobart Mill series, The Unfortunate Return of Crimson Hobart, delves deeper into the magic of the mill, adding more mystery, action, and adventure. With new friends and old alike, this book shines a light on the joy of selfless sacrifice for others, the enduring nature of true friendship, finding the courage within yourself, and the unique power that each of us holds.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
​
Over the last decade, while writing these books, I've spent much of my time traveling the world, gathering stories, and collecting experiences. These opportunities have taught and inspired me along my journey.
​
I can't wait to share some of these highlights with my readers in a fun, fantastical, and magical way. Come and join me on this adventure!
​
- Dustin C Kinard
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
​
Richard Michael Gomez is a contemporary artist and puppeteer known within puppetry and fan communities for his creative work in puppet-making, performance, and illustration.
​
Gomez has been a featured perfomer in The Best of Broadway Puppetry shows at 54 Below in NYC, a puppet wrangler for the 2025 Fraggle Rock; Back to the Rock LIVE national tour and Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas stage show in New York. He is the illustrator of the Fraggle Rock Christmas Special prints for The Jim Henson Company shop.
​
​Richard Michael Gomez has illustrated all characters and cover art for the Hobart Mill series. ​​​​
​
Take a look behind-the-scenes at the creative process of "The Unfortunate Return of Crimson Hobart" cover art and character illustrations.
The Wandering Adventures at Hobart Mill
Author: Dustin C. Kinard
Illustrations: Richard Michael Gomez
Editors: Angie Chen, Allison Keene, Kelly Messier
Publisher: Dock and Queen Press
Release: March 18, 2024
Middle Grade Fiction (Ages 7-12)
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Available in hardcover and paperback
Hardcover ISBN: 979-8989863020
Paperback ISBN: 979-8989863006
Size: 5x8
240 Pages
