Bethanga author Peter Klein, known on the Border as Captain Pete, will unveil the third Mudpoo book Mudpoo and the Fungus Mystery on Sunday at the Bethanga Hotel.

The creative music teacher at Belvoir Special School launched his first book in 2011.

The idea for the series, which encourages kids to read and write, came on a family holiday in Klein’s van back in 1995.

The latest book introduces several “real life” characters from Bethanga and looks at environmental issues.

It follows Captain Pete as he attempts to solve a mystery at Bethanga’s old goldmine.

Klein said he wanted his books to get back to Australian storytelling the way it should be.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had any great Australian kids’ books like The Magic Pudding,” he said.

“With these books kids get really involved.

“And in the end the reader can offer a solution.

“If a kid finds themselves amazed by the whole thing, it might plant a seed where in the future they’ll think ‘there’s a problem, I’m going to do something about it’.”

The book launch will start at 2pm.

Klein will also entertain kids at Beechworth’s WRAP festival on Saturday, February 16, at the town’s neighbourhood centre from 3pm.