The OK Team

Nick had always wanted to write a superhero novel, after a lifetime of reading comics and enjoying superheroes from Spider-Man and Batman to the JLA and Magnus Robot Fighter.The OK Team was published in 2008.

Finally, he got to create his own band of Heroes, based in Melbourne. Unfortunately, the OK Team are a bumbling bunch of teenage wannabes, some of whom are technically blessed with actual super-powers but that doesn’t mean the powers actually help.

The OK Team is very funny, moves fast, is full of teenage angst and finally turns Australia into a nation with capes.

Meaningless trivia: Nick took all the photos within the book as well.

Buy the book.

Click on the cover image for the official site.

Read about the sequel: OK Team 2: Better Than OK.

The OK Team 2: Better Than OK

The second book of the OK Team series sees Hazy Retina (AKA Focus) in all sorts of trouble, some of which might be fatal. New members have joined the team, bad guys roam Melbourne and there are question marks about whether young heroes are allowed to use their powers during a footy game.

With the same pace, humour and action as the first book in the series, OK Team 2: Better Than OK is a page-turner from start to finish.

Buy the book.

Click on the cover image for the official site.

The Kazillion Wish

Nick’s first novel, published in 2003. It’s the story of Harlan and Ainsley Banana, two kids from Fruitfly Bay who want their father to be happy. But their wish is a big one and before they know it, they’re surrounded by Bows, Frongles, Martians, superheroes, kids who can move the planets around, cats that cook, guinea pigs with hammers, sharks, dolphins and evil Fishface.

The Kazillion Wish has been published internationally and to acclaim. It’s very funny and has a strong heart.

Buy the book.

Click on the cover image for the official site.

And hey, did you know there’s a sequel?

Check out “Thanks a Kazillion“.

Thanks A Kazillion

This is the second book in the Kazillion series, also published internationally. Ainsley has been kidnapped, Zucchini might have been Bownapped and a bunch of evil if deranged Martians are planning to take over the Earth, one continent at a time. Lucky Fly Dog the Magnificent has joined our team.

Nick thinks it may be even funnier than The Kazillion Wish and he loved writing about life on another planet. Just wait until you experience a Martian ballad.

Buy the book.

Click on the cover image for the official site.

See:  The Kazillion Wish

Yes, it’s me. Nick. Author of The Kazillion Wish, Thanks A Kazillion, The OK Team and The OK Team 2: Better Than OK.

On site, you’ll find details about the books, updates on what I’m working on, audio readings of chapters, fan comments, media articles and more.

Sound good? Sounds like a lot of work. hey ho let’s go!

An article in The Age from when The Kazillion Wish was first published. Click here.
(The good news is I seem to be over my insomnia but am still writing)

An audio interview of Nick by Maggie Ball re The OK Team, and writing in general, at Compulsive Reader (BlogTalk Radio). Click here.

Media about the books …

THE KAZILLION WISH:

“Best book we ever read. Five stars. … Katie, age 9 and Haily, age 12 both read this book and still can’t put it down. Its very funny and full of suprises, totally random humor. We spend time reading it out loud to each other. Highly recommend it!” Amazon.com reader review.

“A highly entertaining adventure-fantasy for young readers (7-11) about what happens when Harlan and Ainsley Banana wish for an also-mum, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime quest to earn their wish. Action-packed, laugh-out-loud funny, and full of wacky characters.” – Booktopia

“Far-fetched in the best possible way … an energetic, often hilarious tale with a happy ending for all the family.” The Irish Times.

Just to prove I’m being fair, a kid who hated it … Click here.
“… an energetic, Australian-written, British-illustrated, wish quest comic adventure.“ The Times‘ Educational Supplement (UK)

“Children (and their parents and teachers) will enjoy the flights of fancy that have you laughing and smiling as the children face huge challenges to get to the end of their Kazillion Wish. School Librarian (UK)

“The Kazillion Wish is a wild and funny adventure which kids aged 7 to 11 will love. Plenty of fun.” Aussie Reviews.

Zucchini Spacestation’s tenuous connection to Harry Potter … Click here.

THANKS A KAZILLION:

“OMG I love A kazillion wish and thanks a kazillion! Whenever I read them I’m in another world! It’s like I’m actually there with Ainsley and Harlan!!” – Andie (email to Nick)
“hi nick its me sian from wales me and my dad have just read thanks a kazillion we both think its better than the kazillion wish !
in our part of the world its christmas and i got the book off santa” – Sian (email to Nick)

“A funny, energetic and fresh sequel to The Kazillion Wish.” – Booktopia

A review by Sally Murphy in Aussie Reviews. Click here.

“Nick Place’s sequel to The Kazillion Wish is a fast-paced, action-packed and very funny book.” – Boomerang Books. For full review, click here.

THE OK TEAM:

‘A great adventure that used original ideas in its plot.’
- Cameron, 11

‘I liked it because it is an idea no one has used before … It is a book about superheroes but has been twisted to make it funny. Say congratulations to the author for writing such a good book. 9/10.’
- Mateus, 11

‘It was really good! Very creative characters and plots … an exciting story that held my attention. 5 stars! 10 out of 10!’
- Ainsley

Mind-boggling action [and] psychedelic characters … I couldn’t stop laughing.’
- Georgina, 14

‘Even adults would secretly enjoy it.’
- Alex, 14

A review by Sally Murphy @ Aussiereviews.com. Click here.

A review by Maggie Ball at Blogcritics Books. Click here.

A review by Sue Bursztynski at January magazine. Click here.

The OK Team hit YouTube. (Thanks Allen & Unwin). Click here.

“This book is just fun, and original and will keep boys entertained for hours.” Maclean’s Bookshop, NSW, declares The OK Team a ‘staff favourite’. (Thanks!)

“Original and loads of fun, this comedy adventure is set in a unique universe of superheroes and plays with the elements of the genre in unpredictable ways – perfect for young boy readers!” – Booktopia.

A review by Sue Johnston, Marden Education Centre Library, on Read Plus.  Click here.

“The OK Team (Nick Place), starring Hazy Retina and his team of misfit novice superheroes, made Leanne Hall ‘laugh constantly with their Melbourne-based misadventures’.” Readings’ best books of 2008.

A review by Luke at Tea Tree Gully (South Australia). Click here.

A sneak preview from herohints.com (the official OK Team website), of teacher notes relating to the book.

THE OK TEAM 2: BETTER THAN OK:

A great review by Sue Bursztynski at January magazine. Click here.

“Hazy Retina a.k.a Focus is back at the helm of his special superhero squad. A follow-up to the hilarious adventures in The OK Team.” – Booktopia.

Mail between Nick and readers of The OK Team and OK Team 2: Better Than OK. Some of the questions are classic.

Below is a random selection of the sort of questions asked of me, Zucchini Spacestation, Larry & Kelroy (the Martians), Zootfrog the frongle, Hazy Retina and others. All of these were genuine emails …

Dear Larry & Kelroy
Why are you purple and why do you have planets on the ends of your tentacles?

Dear zucchini
Why do you have a French accent when you’re not French and do you know how to speak French?

Dear Nick
me and my dad  need thanks a kazillon…….we do not live in astraler.make  chicken farm puplish it reallyraellyraelly soon.bye from www age7 and her daday age54.

(Chicken House published The Kazillion Wish outside of Australia)

Hi I’m Ice Man
Im wondering if super dead kid will come back?
Will you be making a movie of THE OK TEAM if so let me know!
Is there such thing as a invisibility bubble
For question 2 for the movie can I be the torch
Thank you
Yours truly Ice Man
The AHFTSA(the Australian Federation of Hero Types SA)

Dear zucchini
Hey Zucchini, how BIG is you pants? How much stuff can you fit in it?

Dear Zootfrog
What sort of magic can you do and do you know any martial arts?

(from a reader Nick met:)
Your book was great. I didn’t think Mr Fabulous was some great Golden Age Superhero!
I thought he was a grumpy old man.
I loved the levitating trick and the one where you blasted a coin through my head you did at the caravan in Jan Juc after
Nippers

Dear Larry & Kelroy
Why are you guys such crazy drivers with your ship?

is the new book going to have new heroes new villians and new super powers. i want to know because i love the book i know the first issue off by heart.and have read every single word. it’s awesome!

Hii Zucchini!
i am one of your biggest fans!
i love your quirkyness ! YOU ARE THE COOLEST!!!
you are sooo funny & whenever i read the books youll find me laughin quietly in the corner of the library ! love ur work!