The Jolly Swagman

The Jolly Swagman by Bec Nanayakkara (Woodslane Press), RRP $27.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781922-800893

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Naturally, a book titled The Jolly Swagman must have something to do with the classic Banjo Patterson ballad, Waltzing Matilda. Before I opened the cover, I was hoping not to read the well-known lyrics in picture book form, and I must say, I was happily surprised. My daughter and I were treated to a delightful reimagination of how the events of the ballad may have realistically played out for the jolly swagman in outback Australia in the late 19^th century. We also learnt that to go waltzing matilda is slang for travelling on foot with your belongings wrapped up in your “matilda” (your swag).

Ollie, the jolly Indigenous swagman, arrives yearly at sheep shearing time, and young Will adores him. Will dreams of going waltzing matilda with Ollie when he’s old enough. Everything that Ollie does is amazing – the speed at which he can shear the sheep, his knowledge of bush medicine, and how he cares for injured animals. One day, when a wild storm damages the station of Will’s family and sheep go missing, the troopers are called in and falsely accuse Ollie of stealing a jumbuck. They ignore Will’s protests that Ollies rescues, not harms, creatures. Will is furious but channels his fury into learning and never giving up on his dream to go waltzing Matilda with Ollie.

This is a terrific book for young primary school children, helping them better understand the meaning of the original ballad and reinforcing the importance of treating others fairly, regardless of their profession, how they live, or the colour of their skin.