The Bunyip in the Billabong

The Bunyip in the Billabong written by Elaine Ouston (Morris Publishing)

PB RRP $13.99

ISBN 9780994246301

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

The first in a new chapter book series called ‘Bush Tails’, The Bunyip in the Billabong tells the story of Matthew, an eleven year old boy who is enamoured of his grandfather’s tales about the elusive bush creature, the bunyip. His grandfather describes the bunyip as a large, walrus-like animal, with long black hair and a bloodcurdling howl that lives in a cave by a waterhole.

When some lambs go missing on their remote, rural property, Matthew is convinced it must be due to the bunyip. Matthew’s father mocks his belief in this supposedly mythical creature, yet his spritely grandfather supports Matthew, suggesting they camp by the billabong to be sure.

When Matthew hears strange sounds and sees ripples on the water’s surface, he’s more and more certain it must be a bunyip. On a subsequent trip with his older brother bearing scuba diving gear, Matthew discovers the truth.

The book’s traditional rural setting and characters are reminiscent of a bygone Australian era, with echoes of bush poetry along the lines of Waltzing Matilda evident. Matthew’s endless curiosity and determination would resonate with readers, and his grandfather and brother’s support is truly endearing. This is an entertaining story with enough mystery and rising tension to keep a primary school-aged reader hooked.

Mouse Mayhem

Mouse Mayhem written and illustrated by Wendy McKay-Taylor (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN: 9781925117486

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

First it was one mouse, creeping into the house -- then two, hiding in a boy’s shoes. Soon there were hundreds, thousands … springing out of the paddocks and looking for food and shelter. They nibble through everything—including plastic, newspaper, car wiring.

I’ve experienced a mouse plague on a farm, so I know how realistic this story is. However, to most people, it may seem outrageously exaggerated.

The watercolour illustrations are too cute by far to really portray the menace of mice in such overwhelming numbers. Young readers are much more likely to feel more sympathetic to the pesky critters that to the cat or people—and certainly feel uncomfortable with the solution to the problem. 

It’s the sort of book that would probably go well in country schools but is likely to be far less appreciated in the city.