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.  

The Book Star

The Book Star by Bec Nanayakkara, illustrated by Joanna Bartel (Affirm Press) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9781922863843

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Grace loves everything about space – she even owns 37 books about it. When her teacher says that she and her friends can dress up as anything for Book Week, Grace has so many ideas: the Moon, the Milky Way, the Solar System … how will she choose? Her friends tell her not to do space because it’s ‘ugly’ and ‘boring’ and ‘weird’. But her parents give her some wise advice: ‘do what you want to do’ and ‘be who you want to be’. So, Grace sets to work on her costume. And in the end, she is the ‘star’ of the Book Week parade.

Children aged four to eight will have a blast with Bec Nanayakkara’s imaginative take on Book Week, especially if they’re obsessed with space. As they orbit the pages, discovering a galaxy of space facts, they’ll also stumble on a new world – one where they feel empowered to be themselves in the face of peer pressure. Bec’s story also shines a light on girls who are interested in STEM subjects, encouraging them to reach for the stars.

Joanna Bartel’s dynamic illustrations zoom across the spreads, taking eager readers along for the ride. Small eyes will land on all of the cosmic details, from Grace’s round-as-a-planet glasses to her brother’s alien toy. For kids who want something a little more down to earth to dress up as for Book Week, Joanna’s vibrant images of princess, spy and tiger costumes will inspire and delight.

The Book Star is an ideal read during the countdown to Book Week, but its message about the importance of self-confidence will leave a mark throughout the year. Within the engaging pages, kids will find the fortitude to forge their own path through life.