Great Magpies Review

Magpies Magazine, a literature publication for children’s books recently featured this as a review.

Aussie Legends (2009)

Tom Baddeley, ill, Tracey Gibbs,

Fremantle Press, 48pp.

978 1 9213 6160 9 S19_95 Hb

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Who would you consider to be an Aussie legend? The legends included in this collection of factual verse include Burke & Wills, Nellie Melba, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Don Bradman, Ned Kelly and New Zealand born Phar lap. The story of each ‘legend’ is introduced with a map showing key places in the story and a portrait style illustration including birth and death dates. While the verse is, understandably, a bit short on detail, the illustrations are striking and vibrant. Tho book has the overall feel of a time gone by, with 1920/ 30′s style fonts and liberal use of Aussie wattle in the layout. This is an attractive introduction to these well known Australians for middle primary school students and could serve as a springboard for further research and discussion.

Tina Cavanough