Buzz Words Achievements

Pamela Rushby is happy to announce that her novel, Lizzie and Margaret Rose (Omnibus/Scholastic, a 2017 CBCA Notable book) has won the NSW Society of Women Writers award for a children's book for 2018.  

The story is set London in 1940. Bombs are falling, and 10-year-old Margaret Rose survives a deadly raid, but her family home is destroyed. In faraway Townsville in Queensland, her aunt is ready to take her in, although her 11-year-old cousin Lizzie is not so sure. But first there is a long and dangerous voyage to a strange country, also at war. Margaret Rose knows it's not going to be easy, and Lizzie is not about to make it any easier. 

Pamela has had a long and distinguished writing career in the areas of advertising, journalism, screenwriting and children's books. Having worked as a writer and producer of educational television, audio and multimedia for the Queensland Department of Education, Pamela is now a full-time freelance writer.

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Little Book Press is to publish two of Janeen Brian’s picture books: I am this Big and Look Baby! (the latter illustrated by Renee Treml) while Janeen's poem, ‘The Dilemma of a Dachshund’ will be published by the School Magazine. You can read more about Janeen at www.janeenbrian.com

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Dingo by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Tannya Harricks, and published by Walker Books Australia, has received a certificate of commendation in the Illustrated Children's Book category of the 2018 Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales's Whitley Awards!

The Whitley Awards are presented annually for outstanding publications that contain a significant amount of information relating to the fauna of the Australasian region, and are a tribute to Gilbert Whitley, an eminent Australian ichthyologist.

Claire Saxby is an award-winning and bestselling picture book author. Two of her previous Nature Storybooks, Big Red Kangaroo (2013) and Emu (2014), both illustrated by Graham Byrne, have won numerous awards, including the Royal Zoological Society of NSW’s Whitley Award. Big Red Kangaroo was a 2014 CBCA Notable Book, and won the CBCA Crichton Award for illustration, and Emu was short-listed for 2015 CBCA Eve Pownall Award and won the Environment Award for Children's Literature. Claire lives in Melbourne, where she works part-time in a bookshop. Her latest book is Koala, illustrated by Julie Vivas.

Stand Up and Cheer

Stand Up and Cheer by Loretta Re

(The Wild Colonial Company)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9780992306922

Reviewed by Francine Sculli

In Stand Up and Cheer, a part of Australia’s lesser-known history has been turned into an incredible novel by writer, Loretta Re, magically weaving the elements of a gripping read with the historical threads that put Albury and Australia on the map.

Told through the eyes of ten-year-old Jack, an eager aviator enthusiast, we are taken on a wildly rich journey where we grow close to Jack’s family and learn the many lessons this book offers. But let’s start from the beginning. Set in Albury in 1934 during the Great Depression, a time when aviation and the radio were the people’s greatest entertainment, we meet Jack, his brother Arnie and their parents. Jack’s mother inherits some money from a deceased family member. His father, the town’s radio presenter and voice of the ABC – convinces Jack’s mother that purchasing a car would be the best way to spend the money. The family travels to Melbourne to make the purchase right at the time that Mac Robertson – the Chocolate King – announces the ‘Great Centenary Air Race’ that will see aviators from all over the world fly from England to Melbourne to celebrate the centenary, and that he’ll be giving away a trip to Melbourne to see them land at Flemington Racecourse for anyone who collects all the letters on his Cherry Ripe wrappers.

This sparks Jack’s obsession with the race and his desperate desire to see the planes. But he is far away and has little chance of making it back to Melbourne for the race, especially after the town bully, and son of his father’s obnoxious boss, Pat O’Reilly, tears up the wrappers he has collected. Little does Jack know, this great race will change his life forever when the giant Dutch plane, Uiver, loses its way in the storm en route to Melbourne. Jack and his family are faced with a tough decision: do they break all the rules and attempt to save the plane?

Stand Up and Cheer is not just a story about Albury’s place in aviation history. With so many subplots running through its veins, this is equally a story about family, bravery and what it means to stand by your values. Loretta has created an intriguing world beaming with strong characters and a strong voice that carves a clear picture of this era in history. With its captivating writing style and incredible detail, adults and children alike can pick up this book and get lost in its pages.

Mary’s Australia - How Mary MacKillop Changed Australia

Our Stories: Mary’s Australia - How Mary MacKillop Changed Australia by Pamela Freeman (Walker Books)

PB RRP $17.95

ISBN 9781922077905

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Our Stories, the wonderful series published through black dog books, presents the life of Mary Mackillop beginning from the time she was seven years old, until 1909 when she died. It is juxtaposed with the history of Melbourne’s settlement; its progression, growth through population expansion, social and economic change, and the effect of white settlement on the Indigenous people.

Learning about Mary’s life, her strength, determination and her unshakable faith, is inspiring. She worked very hard as a child to support her family when for years her father was unable to get work. As a young woman, all she wanted was to join the order of nuns in Penola, but took up the option to ‘bring education to the far-flung towns of the Australian bush.’ It would take years for her to fulfil her dream of becoming a nun.

Mary Mackillop became the founder and head of the order of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the first religious institute to be founded by an Australian.

This 32 page book rich in Australian history and culture, is a superb resource for educational and reference purposes. Its images from the SLV, the wonderful  presentation, illustrations in pen and ink, and colour fitted beautifully into the text, present an expansive history of our country from the goldfields to Federation and beyond. It includes a Glossary and Index of word definitions and references at the end.  

To See the World

To See the World by Elaine Forrestal (National Library of Australia)

PB RRP $17.99

ISBN 9780642278494

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

To See the World is highly acclaimed author Elaine Forrestal’s new book. A fictional account of Rose de Freycinet’s voyage on the Uranie (1817-1820), it is based on Rose’s journal kept in the National Library of Australia.

The story is narrated by Jose, an illiterate mulatto, who dreamed of being a famous sea captain and encounters with pirates and cannibals. A real person, Jose begins his journey as a cabin boy, knowing nothing but how to be free and wild. He ends it literate in more than letters; with experiences that would have killed a weaker spirit. This is a wonderful adventure of courage and determination whichever way you look at it.

With women prohibited on state ships, Rose de Freycinet dressed as a man and boarded the vessel to be close to her husband, Louis, Commander of the Uranie. He had a passion for terrestrial magnetism, astronomy and meteorology, and meticulously charted every detail of his research and discoveries.  

Rose’s life is a magnificently recorded document. She spent the entire journey educating Jose, recording everything she heard, saw, and experienced. Rose became the ‘first European woman to write an account of her circumnavigation of the world’. The Uranie was shipwrecked on the Falkland Islands on its return voyage in February, 1820.

Elaine Forrestal has recreated a breathtaking vision of this real event. From the beginning of this love story amidst a great historical event, she has filled each page with excitement, courage and resilience. The book ends in two pages of references and a Glossary. More on this extraordinary voyage can be found in the NLA archives. 

To the Goldfields

To the Goldfields by Rachel Tonkin (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781922179883

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This time the incredibly talented Rachel Tonkin takes us back to1852 to the goldfields. The full page intricately detailed illustrations that are her trademark, draw us back in time once more. You can smell the eucalypt trees; hear the wind rustle the leaves, and the cart rolling. You almost choke on the dust lifted by the wooden wheels. That’s how deeply these illustrations awaken all the senses.

Then at the goldfields you can imagine the echoes of children’s excited voces as they run across the dusty ground, while the family settles into their new life after joining father at the digs. The leaky tent that is the school, the sly grog shop, the panning for gold and the bustle of everyday living is like a slideshow come to life.

The characters’ faces are always full of expression. The clothing, houses, environment, the notices and signs; everything is a true depiction of life on the goldfields. You learn of the births and deaths, and sicknesses that robbed the early diggers and their families – mostly the children, of their life. And about the dangerous mine shafts, flooding rains, bushrangers, Eureka Stockade and other happenings and mishaps.

History retold can be boring. This retelling is full of excitement and adventure that will educate while entertaining young readers (and older ones). There is so much to look for, discover, discuss, absorb and question on every page.

Midnight Burial

Midnight Burial by Pauline Deeves (National Library of Australia)

PB RRP $ 14.99

ISBN 9780642278500

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Pauline Deeves has built a wonderful story around the mysterious and sudden death of Lizzie, one of four daughters of a wealthy sheep farmer, in the Australia of 1868. Lizzie’s death is the central stone around which all the rich history of that era is constructed. The narrative is comprised of diary entries and letters from and between the female characters presenting varying points of view. There are dramatic descriptions of life and living, employment, men’s attitudes, and social norms. Beautiful scenes incorporating the natural surroundings add a newsreel effect to the prose.

Ten year old Florence and her sisters live subject to the harsh commands of their father. His authoritarian rule diminishes their dreams and silences any opinions they have. But the three older girls are strong-willed and strong-minded.

When Florence is told that Lizzie has died suddenly due to the fever, she refuses to believe her healthy sister could die so suddenly. The burial takes place late at night without a doctor or a minister attending. All her clothes are burnt, except her fur coat that is nowhere to be found. Jane the second eldest descends into silence.

Florence’s schooling is taken up by Lizzie’s best friend, Susannah, a liberal thinker who allows the child freedom to flourish.

Father is a keeper of secrets. When he is attacked by bushrangers and almost dies, he undergoes a complete change of character. Secrets are revealed. So is the truth about Lizzie’s death. Jane is also transformed by her new found freedom, leadership qualities and her determination to prove herself.

The story accents the role of women in society and at home, and showcases strong, independent female characters whose courageous spirit and liberal ideas influenced the course of history. It further depicts the discrimination that convicts and their descendents experienced. This outstanding book was inspired by a true story discovered within the collection of the National Library of Australia. 

As I Grew Older

As I Grew Older written and illustrated by Ian Abdulla (Working Title Press)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781921504693

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

  

Subtitled ‘The life and times of a Nunga growing up along the Murray River.’

With Ian Abdulla’s bright and naïve pictures, this is a history of a Nunga (Aboriginal) family living by the Murray River in the 1950’s and 1960’s. During this time there were very little opportunities for employment for Aborigines, and to survive, most families turned to the ways of their ancestors.

Abdulla describes with honesty everyday moments living on the land by the Murray River entailed such as buying sheep heads to eat, picking grapes to make some extra money, as well as hunting swan eggs to eat and catching rats to sell for their skins. It is a lost time, an important part of not only Australia’s social history but that of the Aboriginal people. 

Abdulla is sometimes described as one of the Australia’s greatest naïve artists, and his artwork helps to bring alive these childhood memories that to the majority of us are totally foreign. Ideal for middle and older primary children, wanting to know about the Aboriginal experience as well as that of Australia’s social history.

Racing the Moon

Racing the Moon by Michelle Morgan (Allen and Unwin)
PB RRP $15.99
ISBN 978-1-74331-635-1
Reviewed by Ann Harth (www.annharth.com)

Joe Riley rigs billy cart races and sells eggs in the streets of Sydney during the Depression. His techniques for making a few shillings, although not strictly legal, are a matter of survival. His parents want something better for Joe and he is sent to a boarding school across the harbour. Joe is miserable. He misses his family, his home and especially his freedom. St Bartholomew feels like a prison – the food is terrible, the uniform scratchy and the boys, superior. But these are nothing compared to his interactions with Brother Felix. After a final life-changing altercation, Joe is sent to The Farm, a reform school south of Sydney.

At The Farm, Joe grows to feel as though he belongs – something he never did at St Bartholomew’s. He makes close friends, gains valuable skills and finds fulfilment in hard work and productivity. The year is almost over and Joe is ready to go home but before leaving The Farm, he has one final and dangerous challenge. Joe Riley must Race the Moon.

This historical novel for children aged 12-14 will transport young readers into New South Wales during the 1930s. Rich with sensory images, and accurate historical details, Racing the Moon offers a taste of life during the depression in three distinct settings: the streets of Sydney, a Catholic boarding school and a tough, but fair, reform school. 13-year-old Joe tells his story in the realistic voice of a young boy and the reader is invited to grow close to him as they watch him experience a painful, but beneficial year away from home.

I would recommend this story for young people who enjoy character-driven historical fiction. Clear and compelling, this book will leave its audience with a genuine feel for life during the Depression. Michelle Morgan lives in the Southern Highlands with her family and the local wildlife. She has written many plays, some of which have been performed during short play festivals in NSW. She also writes songs with her husband. This is her first novel. For more information about Michelle, visit http://www.michellejmorgan.com.au/ 

Ann Harth is a published children's author, freelance editor, ghostwriter and writing teacher at Australian College of Journalism. She loves to read and is committed to creating children's literature that inspires, entertains and triggers a tiny twist in the mind. Her latest middle-grade novel, The Art of Magic, is now available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Burning the Bails – The Story of the Ashes

Burning the Bails – The Story of the Ashes by Krista Bell, illustrated by Ainsley Walters (One Day Hill)
PB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-0-9873139-8-0
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Have you ever wondered about the story behind the Ashes trophy? This delightful picture book is a fictionalised account of the events leading up to the burning of the bails after a social game of cricket between the visiting England team and some of the local lads in Sunbury.

Burning the Bails is told from the point of view of six year old Russell Clarke whose father was Sir William Clarke, president of the Melbourne Cricket Club in 1882 when these events took place. Having a young perspective makes this historic tale easily understandable and accessible to young children and older alike.

There are many words to each page, but it is written wonderfully and in keeping with the era, and really nice to read: ‘Everyone was keen and that afternoon the oval resounded with much merriment.’

The illustrations are beautiful. Each page is a painted scene, not always sticking to the illustration side of the page, but sometimes slipping over a little as if to take over the words. Some of these paintings would look as much at home hung in an exhibition. They fit beautifully with the historic tone of the story.

In the back is a very informative run-down of all the facts which the author has drawn from to create this book. There are also photographs from the Clarke family’s collections reproduced in both the front and back.

Books like this one are a great way for children to learn about historical events. The role of Russell Clarke, the narrator, would be the sort of thing most young boys dream of. Burning the Bails is for lovers of cricket, lovers of Australian History, and lovers of good picture books everywhere.

The Big Book of Australian History

The Big Book of Australian History by Peter Macinnis (National Library of Australia Publishing)
HB RRP $39.99
ISBN 9780642278326
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

What a fantastic book! And it is indeed a big book encompassing the history of a big country from its very formation to contemporary times.

Written largely in a chronological fashion, Macinnis' informative and child-friendly text charts the course of Australia's pre-history and history. Beginning with the formation of our island continent and mega-fauna, chapters then explore the coming of the first people to Australia and Indigenous culture, early explorers and the founding of the colonies, exploration by Europeans, the gold rushes and the resultant growth of the cities, federation, the Great War and the ANZACs, the Great Depression, World War Two and post-war Australia. There are also thematic chapters on modern times, sport (of course - this is a book about Australia!), disasters, multiculturalism, the arts and controversies, some of which are still lingering and unresolved.

NLA Publishing always draws on the vast archives of the Library and this visual aspect adds so much. Maps, photographs, paintings and objects illustrate Australia's history as much as the text and combines to offer a sumptuous insight to our nation in the past, present and future. Importantly, the book ends with the reminder that everyone contributes to history and there is a call to all of us to make Australia a better place through our actions.

While it was written specifically for young people, all of us will find something in this comprehensive coverage of every aspect of Australian history - the good, the bad and the ugly - and the often conflicting perspectives held. Every home in Australia deserves a copy of this outstanding book. I leave ours on the coffee table and without fail everyone picks it up to peruse the gorgeous glossy pages chock full of Australia's heritage.

Gallipoli Medals

Gallipoli Medals by Goldie Alexander, illustrated by Mignon Watson (ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee)
PB RRP $10.95
ISBN 9780980448054
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This wonderful book is a valuable resource for young readers with its unique approach to the legend of ANZAC. The story is told through two points of view: the diary entries of eleven year old Jaxson today and those of Private Jack Donaghue during 1915.

Jaxson is surprised to learn that an ANZAC Commemorative Medallion belonging to his great great uncle, Private Jack Donaghue has been found in an Op Shop. The purchaser, Major Peter Romsey, is trying to track down the relatives of the owner. This sparks an examination of Jack Donaghue’s life. More so, when Jaxson’s school project uncovers more questions and answers about the Great War.

Another thread through the book is the close relationship between Jaxson and his Turkish mate Abi. After learning about Great Great Uncle Jack, dynamics change between Jaxson and Abi. Jaxson has mixed feelings about the reasons for the War and how enemies can become friends. Abi can’t understand why things are different.

The friends struggle with this dilemma. We share their fears, the questioning and reasoning, and view their painful journey through doubt to the exultant resolution.

This superbly illustrated book of historical fiction (with a map of the ANZAC area at the end) is presented in a fine prose style. While made up of a compact 28 pages, it holds extensive information and important themes and is ideal for readers of all ages.

Child Convicts

Our Stories: Child Convicts by Janette Brennan (Walker Books)
PB RRP $ 16.95
ISBN 9781742032238
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

A great deal of Australian history from the convict era and the discovery of Australia is portrayed in this title. But it is the heart-breaking, tales about children, especially those from poor families, that is the most moving.

Mechanisation caused many people to lose their jobs in Britain in the 1700s. They moved to the overcrowded cities to find work, but it was ‘steal or starve’. Death tracked the poor everywhere as the death penalty applied at times for stealing even the slightest thing. It is reported that children as young as four were forced to work or steal to stay alive, until Botany Bay’s penal colony absorbed most of the prisoners from the overcrowded jails and floating prisons.

This book contains history before and after the settlement of the penal colony and focuses on the many child convicts, their crimes and punishment, and how their lives evolved. It also touches on the governors and their roles, and the great changes that Australia underwent during that era up to the ‘end of transportation’.

Our Stories is a marvellous series and one from which a great deal can be learnt about our early development as a nation. They are books of only 32 pages but which present so much valuable information in a minimalistic and easily absorbed way. There are archival pictures throughout to accompany the text and give it visual support.

Author Interview: Tania McCartney on Why Caroline Chisholm?

Regular visitors to Buzz Words know how much I love history for kids so I'm thrilled to welcome Tania McCartney as she explores the life of one of the greatest contributors to colonial Australia, Caroline Chisholm. 


Caroline Chisholm: The Emigrant’s Friend is the fifth book in the Aussie Heroes series by New Frontier. With so many eminent Australians to choose from, why Caroline Chisholm?

Oh goodness, where do I start? I think I initially chose Caroline because I knew so little about her—nothing in any great depth, anyway—and she fascinated me. I also appreciated the family and community focus in her work, and her endless sacrifice and dedication to the downtrodden and displaced.

I also knew that her story had been pretty heavily unrepresented. There are few biographies or life accounts on Caroline, and scant has been written for children on her life. Despite having a catalogue of places, suburbs, institutions and buildings named after her in both Australia and England, there is no national monument, not even a bronze statue, and in 1992, she was stricken from the five dollar note in favour of Queen Elizabeth II.

I suddenly felt a bit ferocious about her. So, she was my choice.

What did you find most impressive about Caroline’s life’s work?

Again, when do I start? For me, it wasn’t just the selflessness and support she offered others, it was the relentlessness, the courage and the fact that she refused to take no for an answer.

The other thing she did was refuse to align her work with any political party or cause. This meant her family was often in dire financial straits. It was the support of her colleagues and the community that kept her family afloat at these times. But only just.

Even in the lowest times, through financial strain and severe ill health (Caroline developed kidney disease that eventually killed her), this was one gutsy woman.

Why do children need to know about Caroline’s life?

Because of the selflessness. Because our general populace have moved so far away from community and family ties. We are such an I-focussed society now and it’s producing generations of ostracism, loneliness and depression. More than ever before, kids are in danger of overt self-focus and I’m hoping this book in some small way shows even a few kids that giving—support, sacrifice and generosity—is such a large part of our ultimate life happiness.

What was the hardest thing about writing this book?

I think I became too attached to her. This really surprised me. Like my NLA picture book, Australian Story, I spent a surprising amount of time weeping over Caroline’s story and the plights of so many. What people went through at Settlement—both Indigenous and introduced—is just heart-wrenching.

So, I found the research process very emotional and this made things tough at times—Caroline’s was a life of sacrifice. It doesn’t surprise me in the least bit that a Catholic body is campaigning for her canonisation. She’s just that good!

What did you love the most about it? 

How proud I felt. How heartened. But also, how princess-like! Caroline almost single-handedly made me feel princess-like and trust me when I say I’m not the least bit princessy (okay, I’ll admit I don’t like camping but I do like bushwalking and gardening and I don’t mind getting stuck into the composting!).

Here was a woman who didn’t bat an eyelid at extreme temperatures or conditions or snakes or bugs or bushrangers or politicians or literary giants. She even gave birth to her fourth child, Sydney, aboard a ship for England. It nearly killed her. This was one gutsy, phenomenal woman, who put comfort aside in order to help those in need.

That is what I loved most about writing this book.

Will you write more historical faction? Are you hooked?

Totally. I’m currently exploring a book on May Gibbs because, again, I feel she is so under-represented—at least in children’s book circles. When I speak to school children, I’d so love every single hand to pop up when I ask if they’ve heard of Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie. Dorothy Wall would also be amazing to write about and I have a real fascination with Florence Broadhurst—again not someone kids know a lot about. What a life she lived.

In the meantime, I have a picture book on Captain Cook in production right now—for the National Library, and that’s extra exciting because it’s being illustrated by friend and fellow-Taswegian (did you know this term comes from Royal Australian Navy slang of the 1930s? Fascinating!) Christina Booth.

In a way, I think I’m drawn to write about particular historical figures because they tend to ‘call’ me. I may have a small fascination with their story, but it’s the ones who speak the loudest that really get my attention. I have quite a few people in my head, so we’ll soon see who wins the shouting match …

Caroline Chisholm: The Emigrant’s Friend
(New Frontier, Oct 2013, $14.95, paperback, 9781921928482)

‘If Captain James Cook discovered Australia––if John Macarthur planted the first seeds of its extraordinary prosperity––if Ludwig Leichhardt penetrated and explored its before unknown interior––Caroline Chisholm has done much more: she has peopled—she alone has colonised in the true sense of the term.’
—Henry Parkes’ Empire newspaper, 15 August 1859

The fifth book in the Aussie Heroes series of junior historical fiction, Caroline Chisholm: The Emigrant’s Friend is an illustrated chapter book for children aged 8 - 12, and covers the remarkable life and work of one our Australia's greatest philanthropists. The book features beautiful illustrations by Pat Reynolds.


Tania McCartney is an author of both children’s and adult books, and has been writing professionally for over 25 years. An experienced magazine writer and editor, she also founded respected literary site Kids’ Book Review. She is passionate about literacy, and loves to speak on reading, books and writing. Her latest books include Eco Warriors to the Rescue! (National Library Publishing), Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo: A journey around Canberra (Ford Street), Caroline Chisholm: The Emigrant’s Friend (New Frontier) and An Aussie Year: Twelve months in the life of Australian Kids (EK Publishing). Tania adores books, travel and photography. She lives in Canberra with her family, in a paper house at the base of a book mountain.

Blog Tour: Tania McCartney and Caroline Chisholm

Caroline Chisholm was one of Australia's earliest campaigners for women's rights and author Tania McCartney has written a new book for kids exploring the life of this amazing lady. Buzz Words is thrilled to be involved in Tania's upcoming virtual tour and she will be dropping by our way on October 2.  The tour starts on 30 September and for the entire schedule go to http://taniamccartney.blogspot.com/2013/09/caroline-chisholm-blog-tour-schedule.html 

Koalas, Kites and Kangaroos

Koalas, Kites and Kangaroos by David Ridyard, illustrations by Doreen Gristwood (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $15.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-872-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Koalas, Kites and Kangaroos is a beautifully simple alphabet book for the very young. With only a few words on each page, children can find pictures to match in the softly painted pages, filled with Australian animals having fun.

The illustrations are beautiful. Their gentle nature encourages slow contemplation. Each illustration is a complete scene which highlights two letters of the alphabet. Parts of these pictures spill out over the constructed borders which hold the words - they cannot be contained - bringing the animals to life. There are a few extra pictures to be spotted on some pages (there is a list at the end of the story), but these are kept to a minimum and the book is not overwhelming for young children.

The words chosen to illustrate each letter are ones which can be easily understood and visualised by young children, moon, vegemite, footprint, quilt, and are printed in large clear writing.

Subtitled An Australian Alphabet Book, Koalas, Kites and Kangaroos is thoughtfully and attractively laid out. There is a verse filled with really fun alliteration at the start, enticing the reader to begin the alphabet journey. Then another to close the book which creates a sense of completion (even though it invites the reader to look at the pages again) which alphabet books rarely do.

Koalas, Kites and Kangaroos is a very enjoyable alphabet book.

That Boy Jack

That Boy Jack by Janeen Brian (Walker Books)
PB RRP $16.95
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Jack and Gilbert have been mates from the age of six. They are miners’ sons and have made a promise to follow in their fathers’ footsteps when they reach the age of fourteen. Jack’s mother has other dreams for her bright and promising son. 

When Gilbert’s father is badly injured at work and there’s no income to feed their large family, Gilbert begins work at the picky-table. He reminds Jack of his promise. Jack, regardless of other dreams but tightly bound to his childhood promise, reluctantly leaves school at the age of twelve and joins Gilbert. Jack believed that he and Gilbert were the same. When he goes down a shaft and sees how miners work with the pick, and experiences the fear of the darkness, he realises they are different.

Gilbert’s father’s legs are amputated after infection sets in and his family are forced to accept a new proposition in Adelaide. The friends are separated and Jack returns to school. But things have changed there too. The new school master subjects him to brutal punishment daily. The class bully shows no mercy, and his life without word from Gilbert grows more complex each day as he suffers degradation without being able to tell his parents what is going on.

‘There is nothing so terrible that you can’t speak of it’, the doctor tells him. Jack’s greatest challenge is to find the courage to reshape his life, beginning by sharing his problems with the people who love him most.

This is a moving coming of age story set in Moonta, South Australia, 1874. It shows an in-depth view of life in the mines and the prefiguring of boys’ lives to follow in their father’s footsteps.

Papa and the Olden Days

Papa and the Olden Days by Ian Edwards and Rachel Tonkin (Walker Books)
PB RRP $16.95
ISBN 9781922179272
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Another welcome and outstanding book by Rachel Tonkin, this time co-authored with Ian Edwards, on times past, covering early 1900s. Papa and the Olden Days was awarded Honour Book, Book of the Year for Younger Readers, Children s Book Council of Australia Awards, 1990.

The illustrations project a visual history while complementing the text perfectly. I can never tell which is the most valuable, the text or illustrations. They seem to become a whole so that one without the other seems impossible.

Tonkin reflects on memories and experiences from her life, her family’s lives and stories. In fact, all the people around her appear to contribute in some way, whether they are animals, humans or objects. Each page is a story taken from these memories and retold with clarity and humour.

This series of historical books are a valuable resource for libraries, schools, and home bookshelves.  Each book will be revisited again and again for they present a strong sense of time and place, and reproduce the fashions, food, and social habits. The strongest message seems to be the sense of community which was the most powerful contributor to people’s survival in difficult times. All this is visible in every wordless picture portrayed in all Tonkin’s books.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Stephen Axelsen and The Nelly Gang

We love history here at Buzz Words so it's no wonder we're super-excited to be involved in Stephen Axelsen's blog tour for The Nelly Gang, his new graphic novel series for younger kids set in the 1860s Victorian gold fields.

There will also be prizes to win including a signed book and poster through Buzz Words Books. Stephen will be here on 21 September chatting with us about the value of history to today's kids.

The Nelly Gang will be launched on Saturday September 14 by teacher-librarian Megan Daley at Woodlands of Marburg during the The Story Arts Festival, Ipswich.


Some of Australia's top kids' book sites will be involved in the tour:

Monday September 16 – Children’s Books Daily 
Review and book launch update, giveaway

Tuesday 17 September –  DeeScribe Writing
Review, five tips on graphic novel making

Wednesday 18 September - Kids Book Review
Review, giveaway

Thursday 19 September - Sheryl Gwyther’s Blog
Writing and Illustrating Graphic Novels

Friday 20th September - Soup Blog
Review and Interview

Saturday 21 September - Buzz Words
The Value of History, plus review and giveaway

Meet … Ned Kelly

Meet … Ned Kelly by Janeen Brian, illustrated by Matt Adams (Random House Australia)
HB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781742757186
Also available as an ebook
ISBN 9781742757209
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness


I like the idea of “Meet …” as it’s an invitation to get to know, perhaps personally understand, many of the iconic men and women who have shaped Australia.

Meet … Ned Kelly is the first in this picture book series that spans the education and trade markets.

Told in verse, the story comes alive. The reader is involved in the action, just like in the bush ballads of Ned Kelly’s era. The font has a nostalgic look, as if it’s hot off an old-fashioned printing press.

The armour protected Ned’s arms, head and waist.
The bullets bounced off one by one.
Sergeant Steele took a shot at Ned’s legs that were bare.
With a cry, Ned collapsed and was done.

We all know how Ned’s life ended, but we are given a poignant insight into his early life of poverty and fatherlessness and how his mother was gaoled with her young baby. We share the major turning points in Ned’s life both by verse and by following the handy timeline at the back of the book.

As a young boy we learn how Ned saved a drowning child. He is presented with a sash for his bravery. Another poignant moment is the revelation that under his suit of armour, in the shoot out at Glenrowan, Ned is wearing the same sash from childhood provoking discussion on how deeply we are affected as children, along with the need to know that we have worth.

Matt Adams’ illustrations are evocative of Sidney Nolan’s famous Ned Kelly series, with hints of other landscape painters of the era, like Arthur Streeton and Russell Drysdale. Sometimes, it’s like I’m standing in an art gallery. Young readers will connect to the pathos and humour within the illustrations as they engage with Australian history. The cover is startling as you face Ned close up. He is kitted in his ironclad helmet and armour, although I would love to have seen a peek of the green sash that he was wearing underneath.

Award-winning author Janeen Brian has captured the essence of our most legendary bushranger and award-winning illustrator Matt Adams has brought him to life with colour and texture. An excellent read for 8+.

Solid Rock

Solid Rock [with CD] by Shane Howard, illustrated by kids from Mutitjulu, Kaltukatjara and Impana (One Day Hill)
PB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-0-9873139-1-1
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

I was a young teenager in the early 1980s when Solid Rock by Goanna was a big hit. I knew it well as a rock anthem which we all sang with enthusiasm and passion. But when I read this re-released picture book version of the song, I was unprepared for the impact reading the words had on me.

Solid Rock (Puli Kunpunka – Sacred Ground) tells a story which is part of our Australian history. It mixes the reality of white man’s invasion with the spirituality of the indigenous dreaming. It captures the beauty of the Australia and the anger over what transpired here.The majestic paintings of Uluru add to the powerful feeling of place, while the pictures by the children of the Mutitjulu, Kaltukatjara and Impana communities give the book grounding, depth and spirit.

The lyrics are translated, each page in both English and Pitantjatjara. The accompanying CD is sung also, in both languages. The original English version is performed by Shane Howard and his band. The second version, in the Pitjantjatjara language, features the school children from the same communities accompanying Shane and his band. Both versions are beautiful, stirring and unique.

This inspiring book should have a wide audience. It will appeal to children, to those who grew up in the 1980s, to fans of Shane Howard and Goanna, to all who love to sing and to those with a strong interest in Australian and indigenous history.

Every book sold will benefit the communities involved in this project as 25 percent of all profits are donated towards their youth initiatives.