Welcome to leisafail.com.au
Australian Children’s Books That Inspire, Empower and Spark Imagination
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Hi, I’m Leisa Fail. I am an author, a horse lover, and a believer in the power of resilience.
I grew up in Ipswich with two distinct passions: horses and the written word. My writing journey started with a spark of controversy in Grade 7 when a teacher couldn't believe a student had written such a detailed story! While I later studied Creative Writing at Griffith University, my writing was put on hold as the demands of adult life took over.
For ten years, my horse, Storm, was my escape; I rode through rain, hail, and shine. When Storm retired due to arthritis in 2018, I felt lost without the freedom of riding. To cope with the pressures of a stressful work environment, I began writing our stories.
This became the foundation of The Adventures of Stormy Normy. Written from the horse's point of view, my books do more than entertain—they teach. I have woven the coping strategies that helped me, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises, directly into the narrative.
Now living on the Sunshine Coast, I am proud to share stories that help children discover friendship, courage, and their own unique paths.
The Adventures of Stormy Normy
An award winning chapter book series for the
young and the young at heart 6+ year olds
Willow's Journey
Book 1
Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home
Book 2
Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup
Book 3
Stormy Normy Goes Reining
Book 4
Stormy Normy and the Christmas Surprise
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2025 Readers Views Finalists
Classic - Young Reader category
2026 Beyond Inclusion Recommended Title
Beyond Inclusion Book awards
Books 1, 2 and 3 of The Adventures of Stormy Normy were hybrid published with the help of Dr. Juliette Lachemeier at The Erudite Pen. From a Word doc to an award-winning series, Juliette’s professional editing and design guidance were invaluable.
Heather
"This gorgeous book is a great read for any young person with a love for animals. It’s a wonderful story in its own right but, as a counsellor, I also loved the way it could also help the reader to manage anxiety and to build resilience."
Book 1 Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home review on Amazon
A great sequel to the heartwarming opener of this series - Stormy Normy Finds his Forever Home. Like the original, Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup is filled with an innate sense of optimism and important life lessons for young readers. The author has once again skillfully blended adventure and excitement in the great Australian bush with positive messages for people who might be doing it tough.
Thoroughly recommended for readers of all age groups; for those who ride and know horses and those who do not; and for all those who love the Aussie bush: in short, a truly uplifting yarn. Looking forward to number three in this excellent series.
Book 2 Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup review on Goodreads.
Swapna
The book's honest life lessons on fear, resilience, and self-improvement, noting its suitability for children navigating challenges like bullying or anxiety from earlier series entries makes it interesting to read. The Australian setting, from Far North Queensland to competitive arenas, adds cultural richness, appealing to horse enthusiasts and families alike.
This heartfelt adventure reinforces that true achievement stems from effort and heart, not just victory, making it an empowering read for early chapter book audiences. Fail's horse expertise infuses every page with credibility and warmth.
Book 3 Stormy Normy Goes Reining review on goodreads
What's next for author Leisa Fail?
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Toffee's Journey
Coming in 2027
Fans have been asking for more stories like Willow’s Journey, and I’m excited to share the next one: Toffee’s Journey. Born the runt of the litter and a colour no one wanted, Toffee was never meant to be chosen — until Larry saw something special in her golden eyes.
Life takes an unexpected turn when she joins a travelling circus filled with lions, elephants, chimpanzees and more. But the ringmaster dislikes her colour and warns she’ll be left behind if she can’t master the act. If she succeeds, the seasoned performance dog, Tango, will be the one left behind instead.
Caught between survival and loyalty, Toffee must learn the tricks of the trade while navigating the tension between the eager newcomer and the old dog with no new tricks. Will she rise to the challenge, or be abandoned when the circus moves on?
Erik's Adventures
Coming in September 2027
Meet Erik—a young zebra with a spirit as loud as his stripes! Life on the quiet safari plains of Dimbulah is safe, but Erik dreams of the spotlight. In this heartfelt and humorous three-part series, Erik’s Adventures follows a daring run-away journey to the circus and back again.
Along the way, Erik discovers that while adventure requires bravery, true resilience is found in friendship. From the dusty outback roads to the center ring, Erik learns life’s most important lesson: Happiness isn't a place you go to; it’s a feeling you carry with you.
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Book 1: Escape to the Circus
Erik is bored with the daily grind of the plains and decides to chase his destiny: the bright lights of the Cairns Circus. But the road to stardom is long and full of surprises. On his journey, Erik meets a motley crew of Australian locals—including a wise cow, a cheeky cat, a platypus, a cassowary, a cattle dog, and a crocodile. He even crosses paths with some familiar faces: Brumbies and Stormy Normy himself, training for endurance! Through these encounters, Erik begins to wonder: if others are happy exactly where they are, why is he running so hard to be somewhere else?
Book 2: Life at the Circus
Erik has finally made it, but he quickly realizes that the "grass is greener" syndrome comes with a catch. Zebras are wild at heart, and domestication is much harder than he imagined! The training is tough, and Erik almost loses hope. enter Fifi, a clever chimpanzee, and Toffee, a loyal brindle Staffy. With the help of his new best friends, Erik navigates the challenges of circus life, proving that sometimes you need a little help to find your rhythm.
Book 3: The Great Escape Home
Erik is finally the star of the show, but something is missing. When news breaks that his home zoo is facing closure, Erik knows what he must do. It is time to retire Toffee safely and return to the place that made him. Can Erik save the zoo? Will the dazzle forgive him for running away? In this touching finale, Erik returns to Dimbulah not just as a performer, but as a hero who finally understands that happiness isn't about the destination—it's about who you are on the inside.
Ashlinbah
Coming soon
Ashlinbah is my next big project — a story that’s been living rent‑free in my mind for years.
I never felt ready to tackle something of this size or complexity, but the world keeps unfolding, the characters keep revealing themselves, and the plot grows deeper every time I explore it.
What I can share for now:
• It will be a six‑book series
• 47,000 words drafted for Book 1
• 15,000 words underway for Book 2
• And the rest… stays behind the curtain for now.
More will be revealed when the time is right.
Supporting the Australian horse industry is something I care deeply about. Through local event sponsorships, I’m proud to give back to the communities, clubs, and riders who keep our equine world thriving. Most of all, I believe children are the heart of our industry’s future — every event, every story, every moment of encouragement helps inspire the next generation of horse lovers.
2026
Sunshine Coast Quarter Horse Performance Club hosted the 2026 Versatility Ranch State Show.
I sponsored the Green Youth Buckle Sponsor for Queensland Quarter Horse State Show Ranch Versatility 2026. Supplying a set of signed books for the winner to enjoy.
🎉🎉We are thrilled to announce ❝𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥❞ as the proud sponsor of the 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙚 at the 𝗡𝗤𝗤𝗛𝗔 '𝗔' 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 being held in Tully this September! Leisa is a passionate equestrian and a talented children’s author, creating animal adventure chapter books that inspire young readers just as much as young riders.
Leisa is honoured to support this competition and to present the full Adventures of Stormy Normy book set to the winner of her PROGRESSIVE YOUTH sponsored high point trophy buckle, encouraging young riders to chase their own adventures with the same heart and determination. ❤️
2024
2024 Western Dressage National Show - Sponsorship of the Team Challenge awarding winners a signed copy of Book 1 Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home.