REGIONAL Victorian teacher, playwright, and children’s author Andrew Kelly has followed his widely successful Cry Hard, Chucky, with a fantastic second picture book, Laugh Hard, Chucky.
The story continues the journey of a young boy learning to navigate life’s biggest feelings — this time focusing on joy, silliness, and the power of laughter.
While Cry Hard, Chucky helped children understand the healing power of tears and emotional release, Laugh Hard, Chucky reminds young readers — and the grown-ups who care for them — that joy deserves just as much space. The story celebrates giggles, goofiness, and the way laughter connects us all.
“As a teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how kids experience emotion; they feel everything at full volume. These books give them permission to feel, name, and share those emotions in a healthy way,” said Andrew.
Andrew Kelly is a primary school music teacher based in Swan Hill, Victoria, where Cry Hard, Chucky, became Collins Swan Hill’s best-selling title of all time. He is an accomplished playwright, known for tackling mental health and wellbeing themes in both adult and children’s theatre. His Chucky series blends humour and heart to open meaningful conversations around emotional literacy in early years education.
Laugh Hard, Chucky is now available in bookstores and online at https://andrewkellystories.com.au/shop. Cry Hard, Chucky, was recently adapted into a heartfelt music video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77GjrYcDLkI.
