About BG Worner

As a young man, BG Worner packed his suitcase and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. His travels took him to far-reaching places. He considers himself fortunate to have lived and worked on three continents among people of diverse cultures. Decades later, his spirit of adventure is alive and strong.

When COVID hit and the world went into lockdown, BG escaped through his imagination. An avid Lego builder, he created a story world bringing to life the Zico series.

BG’s unique and quirky take on life is captured in his storytelling which is influenced by social consciousness. Welcome to BG’s world. It’s a wonderful place.

The basics

BornPlochingen, Germany
LivesSydney, Australia
FamilyMarried with 2 sons
Published booksZico, Gatekeeper to the Unknown
Zico, Explorer of the Otherworld
HobbiesLego, movies, music, football

Books

Zico

Gatekeeper to the Unknown

Trouble has a habit of finding Zico. When his frustrated parents dump him at his estranged grandfather’s house in one of the poorest communities in Brazil, Zico is lured by the forbidden. His misadventures take him into Precious Above the Sea where he experiences opulence beyond his imagination, and into the Deep Forest where no one who has entered has ever returned.

When all worlds collide, Zico challenges the inequity between rich and poor and sets out to reshape possibilities.

Cover illustration

By Maddie Egremont

As an artist and illustrator, Maddie finds inspiration and beauty in urban environments and the cultures that live within them. Click on the cover image and absorb yourself in Zico’s world.

Immerse yourself in Zico's world

Zico

Explorer of the Otherworld

Trouble continues to find Zico. When Sancia arrives at his farm late at night, they embark on a journey to break free of rules. Their thirst for adventure spirals into a quest for survival. Trapped in the shadowy world of smuggling and extortion, they rely on their wits to escape. Lost and hunted, they unite with myth and nature to conquer the Amazon, their kidnappers, and their parents’ expectations.

Zico, explorer of the otherworld, discovers the art of balancing rule-bending. He learns to set boundaries, creating a world where safety and freedom can co-exist.

Cover illustration

By Maddie Egremont

Click below to navigate Zico’s journey through the Amazon Basin.

Immerse yourself in the Amazon

Reviews

Zico Gatekeeper to the Unknown

Parents
Teachers/Librarians
An extremely powerful story of an adolescent Brazilian boy who, separated from his parents finds comfort in a very unfamiliar place. This book is written perfectly for children aged 10-14, and not only addresses social issues within society but takes you on a young boy’s quest for acceptance, adventure, and personal growth. This well-crafted storyline will make any child pick it and not be able to put it down.
An uplifting tale about an energetic young boy who discovers that huge rewards can come from big risks. The beautiful, rich narrative transports you to a magical place and reminds you of the power of determination and self-belief.
Kids
The cover illustration and title is intriguing. Zico is adventurous, a bit naughty and mischievous. I felt connected to him.
This is a great book with lots of detail. Perfect for anyone that loves a good fictional book.
This book gets my imagination going. I love the creativity of Roldáo.
I like how the characters’ curiosity gets them in and out of trouble.
This is a wonderful book and it deserves to have five stars. I enjoyed reading it so much.
I like that the book includes a fantasy world. It’s unique in many ways.

Media

See how much fun BG had building the story world..

▲