Knockabout cricket: A story of sporting legend – Johnny Mullagh

Knockabout cricket: A story of sporting legend – Johnny Mullagh by Neridah McMullin, Illustrated by Ainsley Walters (One Day Hill Publishing)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9780992439736

Reviewed by J Wishart

This charming and informative picture book is aimed at middle primary school readers. It tells the story of a young Aboriginal man, Unaarrimin, also known as Johnny Mullagh, who became a famous cricket all-rounder in the 1860s.

The narrative begins with a schoolboy, James, at home on Pine Hills sheep station for the holidays. Cricket was popular and James often played with the shearers at the end of their working day. When Johnny Mullagh emerges from the bush and is introduced to the game by James, the author describes a fictional – but entirely possible – version of the first match Mullagh ever played.

The author has used lively and evocative language to capture the game, with the ‘thwack’ of the bat and balls ‘fizzing’ through grass. Throughout the main story there are also fact-boxes tracing the life of Johnny Mullagh, his trademark batting style, and the development of cricket as a game. At the end, Johnny’s story is summarised again to acknowledge his great talent and eventful life, including a tour of England in 1868, and the difficulties he faced as an Aboriginal player.

The illustrator has employed a painting style reminiscent of artists like Pro Hart to effectively depict the open spaces and broad skies of the Australian outback. The passage of time during Johnny’s re-imagined first match is shown through deepening sunset colours and eventual dusk that descends over the players and ends their beloved game for the day.

The result is a blend of fictional story, facts and artwork, with broad appeal and loads of potential to engage readers.

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 Promise: The Town That Never Forgets: N’oublions jamais l’Australia

The Promise: The Town That Never Forgets: N’oublions jamais l’Australia by Derek Guille, illustrated by Kaff-eine, translated by Anne-Sophie Biguet (One Day Hill)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-0-9873139-6-6
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

In the north of France is a village called Villers-Bretonneux. This village, only an hour from Paris, has a special connection to Australia. Nearly one hundred years ago, the citizens of Villers-Bretonneux made a promise to never forget the Australians who saved them from occupation during World War I.

And as former ABC radio presenter Derek Guille discovered in 2007, when he accompanied the members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to Villers-Bretonneux, the village has made good on this promise.

This is an eye opening book about a part of our history and present of which I knew nothing. Guille writes not only about the war which occupied the village, but also about the rebuilding, about the bonds formed, and about the interest and knowledge the village has of Australia to this day.

He also writes about the performance of the Melbourne Villers-Bretonneux Brass Ensemble at a ceremony held in the war memorial at the edge of the village. Nelson Ferguson was one of the Australian soldiers wounded in the 1918 ANZAC Day battle which halted the German advance into the village. Almost a century later, his grandson was one of the musicians honouring him. Via a mobile phone held high in the air, the vast distance was bridged and family members in Melbourne listened to the service.

This is a picture book with a difference. It is non-fiction with much more words than would normally be in this format. This makes it suitable for older children and with the text blending historical facts with the author’s personal experience it reads smoothly as a narrative story. Each page is first in English, then in French which helps to further convey the connection between the Australians and the French.

I love the painted illustrations. They are unique, compelling me to keep turning the pages and to really look at each one. They exude an atmosphere of playfulness, colour, movement and hope. Even the pictures of the war focus on bandaging the wounded rather than battle scenes.

The ending is wonderfully rounded out with the mention of Villers-Bretonneux helping Victoria rebuild schools after the Black Saturday bushfires. The illustration which accompanies this is my favourite.

In bringing the air of friendship to the fore, Guille’s writing style makes this story an interesting, emotional and uplifting one as well as being informative. I must admit, it brought tears to my eyes as I read the last page. I hope many children, teens and adults read this book. It illustrates the importance of community and how small the world really is.

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.

Kick it to Me

Kick it to Me by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Peter Hudson (One Day Hill)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 9780980794861
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Hallelujah, the AFL season is nearly upon us again! But if it wasn't for Tom Wills and the Australian Aboriginal game of Marn-grook we would not have Australian Rules football at all. Kick it to Me captures the very beginnings of the greatest of sports, Australian Rules football, in this beautifully presented picture book.

Neridah McMullin takes us back to 1846 when a young Tom Wills lives in western Victoria and has his first contact with Marn-grook. Despondent over the end of the cricket season, Tom is searching for something to do. When his friend Jirra introduces him to the athleticism and fun of Marn-grook, Tom is gobsmacked and enthusiastically joins in.

Peter Hudson's colourful and lively illustrations have a freshness and vitality about them and the expressions of joy on the boys' faces as they play Marn-grook with their friends are a highlight of the book. Being Melbourne born and bred (and with a Sherrin for a soul) I can tap into this emotion. Football is exciting, it brings everyone together, it's fun!

Following the story, a fascinating biography of Tom Wills is included. Tom Wills has been credited with being the instigator of Australian Rules, blending aspects of different sports and developing the rules to create this unique game.The interaction in the text between Tom and the Aboriginal boys accurately depicts Wills' friendship with the local Djab Wurrung tribe whose language he became fluent in. As a youth, Wills attended school in Rugby and went on to study at Cambridge. On his return to Victoria, he became a leading sportsman and lobbied for a football club to be formed, working towards developing an Australian code.

There is also glossary of Aboriginal words and a forward by the Collingwood Football Club president, Eddie McGuire.

Kick it to Me is a book for young sports fans and a reminder of how Australia has managed to combine aspects of indigenous and European culture to come up with our own unique game and contribution to the sporting world.

Butcher Paper, Texta, Blackboard and Chalk

Butcher Paper, Texta, Blackboard and Chalk by Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach, illustrations by Ruby Hunter (One Day Hill)
PB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-0-9807948– 4-7
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Butcher Paper, Texta, Blackboard and Chalk was envisioned by Ruby Hunter as an illustrated songbook/album and the title song sums up just how the songs within the pages came into being.

In 1997 Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach, with three of their sons, went to Cape York on a Land and Health tour. They travelled around the peninsula visiting kindergartens and primary schools running workshops in song writing. This collection of songs was written by Ruby and the children of Cape York about what they see and experience in their everyday lives.

The songs are stories, often universal and relevant to the lives of all children. Some songs, such as ‘I Love my Garden’, are beautiful to read as poetry and will resonate with children all over the world. Others, such as ‘Stone Finder’, serve as oral tradition, and are more specific to the Indigenous culture.

Ruby Hunter’s vibrant paintings illustrate the song lyrics throughout the book. They radiate the same energetic and joyous outlook as the songs and represent the simple stories of life.
Accompanying the book is a CD with recordings of all the songs, most of which are sung by Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach. These catchy songs for children range from bouncy sing-alongs to mellow quiet listening ones. All have something to say about the world.

On the flip side of the CD is a DVD with a documentary of the Land & Health tour. Archie describes their journey as ‘sharing the spirit of unbroken traditions’. Ruby talks about writing the songs of life and hope. Her enthusiasm and connection with the children is strongly evident and the power of song and music shines throughout the documentary.

This book, CD and DVD offers a fantastic way for children to share the experiences of indigenous children and to recognise how much we are all the same at heart. The publication of this songbook was realised after Ruby Hunter’s death (in 2010) and is a fitting tribute to a talented woman.

All the profits from the sale of the book go to Ruby’s Foundation. For more information go to www.rubysfoundation.com.au

Vullah Vunnah Nah

Vullah Vunnah Nah by Patricia Clarke (One Day Hill)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-0-9873139– 0-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Vullah Vunnah Nah is an ancient Gunditjmara lullaby, passed down through generations.

In the forward, musician Marcia Howard writes that author Patricia Clarke’s father sang this special lullaby to her as a child. Clarke’s family was affected by the Stolen Generation and most children placed in missions were not permitted to speak their own language. This song survived and Patricia Clarke sang it with Marcia Howard at Sorry Days (a commemoration for the stolen generation).

The lullaby in this book is written in two languages, Clarke’s native language, and an English translation. It is boldly illustrated with her vividly coloured rainbows dominating the pages.
Patricia Clarke sings beautifully on the accompanying CD, with Archie Roach, Stephanie Young, Shane Howard, Lee Morgan and Marcia Howard.

Both the CD and picture book are a beautiful addition to any book or music collection. It is fantastic to have the cultural background of indigenous Australia becoming more accessible and available to all.

 

Blackfella Whitefella

 Blackfella Whitefella by Neil Murray, illustrated by students from schools around Australia (One Day Hill)
PB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-0-9807948-9-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Blackfella Whitefella is a picture book by Neil Murray and illustrated by students from all around Australia. It’s simple message - that we are all the same whatever our colour or race, and that it’s what’s in our hearts that matters - is one that should be shouted (and sung) many times over. It is a message that is passionately conveyed, important and relevant to all people, young and old. It makes us think about how we can make a difference, and help our children to embrace difference, to stand strong and to speaking out.

The words, originally written as lyrics, are rhythmic to read aloud, strong and accessible. The wonderful illustrations drawn by children help with this accessibility, allowing readers to identify with the sentiments expressed. The rich variety of these pictures emphasise the central message of diversity of people, that it takes all kinds to make a community. This book should appeal to children young and old, along with fans of Neil Murray and lovers of Australian song writers in general.

Blackfella Whitefella is the second of Neil Murray’s songs to be illustrated and released in picture book form. The first is his much loved My Island Home. One Day Hill has also published Paul Kelly’s From Little Things Big Things Grow as a picture book, illustrated by the kids from the Gurindjio Country and with painting by Peter Hudson. A percentage of the profits raised from the sale of this book will go to Ian Thorpe’s “Foundation for Youth” towards arts and literacy projects.

Side by Side - Shoulder to Shoulder

Side by Side - Shoulder to Shoulder by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Ainsley Walters (One Day Hill)
PB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9780980794823
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Football is an integral part of Melbourne and defines the culture of the city. Side by Side gives the young reader an insight into what that meant in the Great Depression where football teams bound communities and provided a distraction from the harsh realities of unemployment and hunger.

It is the eve of the 1935 Grand Final and, with hundreds of other supporters, young Tom and his grandfather attend the final training for the Collingwood team at Victoria Park. Grandpa points out the fearless players of  'The Machine' including the Collier brothers and Gordon Coventry as well as legendary coach Jock McHale. A buzz runs through the crowd when the news that Bob Pratt the champion full forward of South Melbourne, Collingwood's opposition in the 1935 Grand Final, has been hit by a truck.

Underlying the story of the club is the strength of the relationship of grandfather and grandson. Above all, it is the sense of belonging and familial loyalty to the team that comes through McMullin's text. Tom may be hungry but he feels lucky to be part of something bigger.

Ainsley Walters' colourful illustrations are perfect for the nostalgic feel of the book and the addition of original newspaper clippings, cartoons and photographs give a true sense of the era. A glossary of football and historical terms, facts and a rundown of six grand finals are included as well as biographies of many Collingwood players of the era.

Love 'em or hate 'em, Collingwood Football Club is an icon of Australian Rules Football and still holds the record of four premierships in a row from 1927 to 1930. Side by Side is perfect for young Collingwood fans and lovers of this great game.

Side by Side Book Launch

It's AFL grand final week in Melbourne. What better time to launch a book about one of the most famous clubs of all, Collingwood Football Club.

Side by Side: In the Beginning

AFL Grand Final day! One of the great days of the year and this review is an apt start to proceedings, even more so since Collingwood is one of the contenders for the 2010 AFL premiership flag.

Side by Side: In the Beginning by N. McMullin, illustrated by Ainsley Walters (One Day Hill)
PB RRP $19.95
ISBN 978-0-9807948-0-9
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton
http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/

It is said that Melbournians have a Sherrin for a soul. Side by Side: In the Beginning gives an insight as to why.

Side by Side is a chapter book of the early years of Collingwood Football Club, arguably the most famous of all the Australian Rules football clubs, and one of the original founders of the Victorian Football League.

In 1916, eight-year-old Charlie climbs on the roof of a friend's cottage with his father to watch his first ever football match. As the game is played, Charlie's father inducts him into the history of Collingwood and some of its great players.

Along the way, the reasons for the tribal loyalties and hatreds (which are still firmly entrenched within Australian Rules)  as well as some social history of early twentieth century Melbourne, are revealed. There is a glossary of terms and Australian colloquiallisms that some readers may not have heard as well as historical facts about Collingwood and some of its remarkable players from formaton until 1926.

The design of Side by Side is outstanding. The cover is like an old leather photo album and each double spread is edged in black-and-white, the colours of the Collingwood Magpies. Some pages are presented scrapbook style with memorabilia and photographs. Others include Ainsley Walters' bold and colourful illustrations of Melbourne and football matches.

Collingwood fans will love this book but even if you hate Collingwood (as it is almost compulsory to do if you don't barrack for them) footy fans will find much of interest about their game in Side by Side.