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The Peach King

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A contemporary fable about the resilience of nature from Inga Simpson, one of Australia's leading nature writers, with paintings by acclaimed illustrator Tannya Harricks

When Little Peach Tree was just a sapling, all they could see was row upon row of other peach trees. And, on top of the hill, watching over the orchard - the Peach King.

As seasons pass, bringing cycles of change, Little Peach Tree grows and grows.

But darker changes are stirring. Soon rain is scarce, the forests turn brown, animals flee and the sky turns red.

To protect the orchard, the Peach King faces grave danger and Little Peach Tree must find their voice.

'A modern classic . . . An exquisite book destined to be treasured by generations . . . Its timeless quality and gentle wisdom invite return visits, making it a rewarding and enduring read' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

'Simpson's writing is exquisite: spare, lyrical and deeply evocative. There is not a word wasted or out of place. Her story is perfectly matched with illustrations that sweep from corner to corner bringing the seasons alive. Together they create a timeless tale of growth, change and resilience . . . A book destined to become a classic' GOOD READING MAGAZINE

'A fable for our times - one that feels both timeless and urgent' AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW

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Long Table Lunch with Inga Simpson
Long Table Lunch with Inga Simpson
The Great Walk by Inga Simpson
The Great Walk by Inga Simpson
Read an extract from The Thinning
Read an extract from The Thinning
Book club questions for The Thinning
Book club questions for The Thinning
10 books to read this International Women's Day
10 books to read this International Women's Day
5 Minutes With ... Inga Simpson
5 Minutes With ... Inga Simpson
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her love for the Ironbark Tree
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her love for the Ironbark Tree
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her new book UNDERSTORY
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her new book UNDERSTORY
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her favourite nature place to write
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her favourite nature place to write
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her writing technique for her memoir
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her writing technique for her memoir
Miles Franklin Literary Award Longlist 2017
Miles Franklin Literary Award Longlist 2017
Green Carnation Longlist 2016
Green Carnation Longlist 2016
ABIA Awards 2017 Longlist
ABIA Awards 2017 Longlist
Inga Simpson (Part 1) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 1) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 3) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 3) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 2) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 2) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 4) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 4) | #PassionShared
The Great Walk by Inga Simpson
The Great Walk by Inga Simpson
Read an extract from The Thinning
Read an extract from The Thinning
Book club questions for The Thinning
Book club questions for The Thinning
10 books to read this International Women's Day
10 books to read this International Women's Day
5 Minutes With ... Inga Simpson
5 Minutes With ... Inga Simpson
Miles Franklin Literary Award Longlist 2017
Miles Franklin Literary Award Longlist 2017
Green Carnation Longlist 2016
Green Carnation Longlist 2016
ABIA Awards 2017 Longlist
ABIA Awards 2017 Longlist
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her love for the Ironbark Tree
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her love for the Ironbark Tree
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her new book UNDERSTORY
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her new book UNDERSTORY
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her favourite nature place to write
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her favourite nature place to write
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her writing technique for her memoir
UNDERSTORY by Inga Simpson | About her writing technique for her memoir
Inga Simpson (Part 1) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 1) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 3) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 3) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 2) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 2) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 4) | #PassionShared
Inga Simpson (Part 4) | #PassionShared
Long Table Lunch with Inga Simpson
Long Table Lunch with Inga Simpson
31 July 2026 — Rick Stein at Mollymook, Mollymook Beach
Inga Simpson

Inga Simpson

Inga Simpson began her career as a professional writer for government before gaining a PhD in creative writing. In 2011, she took part in the Queensland Writers Centre Manuscript Development Program and, as a result, Hachette Australia published her first novel, Mr Wigg, in 2013. Nest, Inga's second novel, was published in 2014 and was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award and the Stella Prize and shortlisted for the ALS Gold Medal. Inga's third novel, the acclaimed Where the Trees Were, was published in 2016.

Inga was awarded the final Eric Rolls Prize for her nature writing and has obtained a second PhD, exploring the history of Australian nature writers. Inga's account of her love of Australian nature and life with trees, Understory, was published in 2017. Her first book for children, The Book of Australian Trees, illustrated by Alicia Rogerson, was published in 2021. The Last Woman in the World, her critically acclaimed environmental thriller, was published in 2021 and shortlisted for the 2022 Fiction Indie Book Award. Inga lives on the NSW south coast among trees.

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