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AUSTRALIANA FICTION - AUSSIE CLASSICS & POETRY
Billabong Series (Mary Grant Bruce)
Billabong, a large cattle and sheep property in the Australian countryside, is home to twelve–year–old Norah Linton, her widowed father, David, and her older brother, Jim. Norah's prim and proper aunts, who live in the city, consider she is in danger of "growing up wild" – riding all over Billabong on her beloved pony, Bobs, helping with mustering, and joining in all the holidays fun when Jim and his friends come home from boarding school. Mary Grant Bruce (1878-1958), also known as Minnie Bruce, was an Australian children's author and journalist. While all her thirty-seven books enjoyed popular success in Australia and overseas, particularly in the United Kingdom, she was most famous for the Billabong series, focussing on the adventures of the Linton family on Billabong Station in Victoria and in England and Ireland during World War I. Her writing was considered influential in forming concepts of Australian national identity, especially in relation to visions of the Bush. It was characterised by fierce patriotism, vivid descriptions of the beauties and dangers of the Australian landscape, and humorous, colloquial dialogue celebrating the art of yarning. Her books were also notable and influential through championing of what Bruce held up as the quintessentially Australian Bush values of independence, hard physical labour (for women and children as well as men), mateship, the ANZAC spirit and Bush hospitality against more decadent, self-centred or stolid urban and British values. 9+
A Little Bush Maid $9 HBDJ EC Gorgeous, large, high quality picture book with full page illustrations by John Lennox. Recommended! 10+ http://cgi.ebay.com.au/LITTLE-BUSH-MAID-Mary-Grant-Bruce-Lrg-HCDJ-VGC_W0QQitemZ120290097542QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:AU:101
Billabong #1 “A Little Bush Maid” $4 PB FC (Older edition with light tanning and minor cover wear)
Billabong #2 “Mates At Billabong” $8 HB EC (Name on inturn)
Billabong #3 “Norah Of Billabong” $8 HB EC
Billabong #8 “Billabong’s Daughter” $4 PB GC (Older edition with minor cover wear)
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Seven Little Australians – Illustrated Edition (Ethel Turner) $6 HB GC (Inscription) Lovely pictures bring this endearing story alive. 8+
Seven Little Australians (Ethel Turner) $4 PB GC, $3 PB GC (Older edition) (Minor reading wear and light tanning) Without a doubt, Judy was the worst of the seven, probably because she was the cleverest. Her father, Captain Woolcot, found his vivacious, cheeky daughter impossible – but seven children were really too much for him and most of the time they ran wild at their rambling riverside home, Misrule. An Aussie child’s classic! 9+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/ethel-turner/seven-little-australians.htm
Little Mother Meg (Ethel Turner) $6 PB VGC Deals with the lives of the Woolcot family, particularly with its seven mischievous and rebellious children, in 1880s Australia. 9+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/ethel-turner/little-mother-meg.htm
The Family At Misrule (Ethel Turner) $6 PB EC Further Adventures of the Famous "Seven Little Australians" Five years on, the children of Misrule are growing up and when Capt and Mrs Woolcott leave for India with the children to look after themselves and the house, lots of fun and trouble ahead 9+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/ethel-turner/family-at-misrule.htm
We Of The Never-Never (Mrs. Aeneas Gunn) $6 PB EC (RRP $17.00) (Complete and unabridged) A well-loved turn-of-the-century classic by a Mrs Aeneas Gunn who, as a genteel Melbourne bride, was expected to add a woman's touch to her husband's isolated cattle station. She battles constantly to be seen as an equal amongst the menfolk on the station on which she lives with her husband. The fight seems a losing battle, however, as the views held by the men regarding both women and indigenous people are hard to overcome. An accurate portrayal of the early relations between Australian Aborigines and white Australians. A beautiful copy. 12+ http://www.trademe.co.nz/Books/Fiction-literature/Historical-fiction/Author-GI/auction-169105440.htm
Selections From The Little Black Princess (Mrs. Aeneas Gunn) $5 HB VGC The story of the 8 year old Aborigine who took refuge with Mrs. Aeneas Gunn whilst living in the outback. She called Bett-Bett the “Little Black Princess,” who stayed a while, learns a little, laughs much, wonders much and finally decides to go bush again. A charming picture of Northern Territory life and Aboriginal ways have made this an Australian classic. Lovely colour illustrations with specially selected and adapted episodes from the book for children. 7-10 http://au.three.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi?auction=1183026543-20050-0&mo=auction
Silver Brumby’s Daughter (Elyne Mitchell) $4 PB VGC (Light tanning) In this coming-of-age story the protagonist is a wild horse. The silver-coated filly, Kunama, longs to explore the mountains beyond the safe world of her parents, but danger lurks. A violent stallion tries to force her into his herd. Men plot to capture and tame her. Owls hoot warnings and wisdom. A kangaroo helps her. There's romance, too--a handsome stallion is drawn to her. 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Brumbys-Daughter-Elyne-Mitchell/dp/0006930131 (Cover different)
A Brumby Story “Dancing Brumby’s Rainbow” (Elyne Mitchell) $4 PB VGC (Name on 1st page) Dandaloo’s dwarf foal, Choopa, who dances so beautifully, is growing up, but the music still sounds in his head. He knows there are old secrets in the high country he has yet to learn. But that old stallion, Old Strawberry, wants to banish him forever from his beloved mountains. Tiny though he is, Choopa will fight with all his will! 9+
The Dad And Dave Stories (Steele Rudd) $6 HB EC Uproarious tales of Australia’s favourite fictional family, brilliantly illustrated in colour and black and white by Louis Silvestro. Dad, Dave, Sarah, Joe, Mother and all the rest of the irrepressible Rudd family stumble hilariously from one escapade to another as they struggle to make a living from the land against all opposition – including kangaroos, droughts, recalcitrant farm animals, and each other! A superb addition to your Aussie library! Recommended! 5-10 YO
On Our Selection: The Illustrated Tale Of Australia’s Unsung Pioneers (Steele Rudd) $5 PB VGC (Ex lib) Long an Australian classic favourite, these hilarious stories begin with the Rudd family’s arrival on their selection in Queensland, and Dad’s first unsuccessful attempt to sow a crop. The hilarious episodes of ‘Cranky Jack’ and ‘Kate’s Wedding’ are well known to lovers of Australian writing. On Our Selection reveals the harshness, generosity and humour abounding in the Aussie pioneer lifestyle. Highly recommended! 11+
The Complete Adventures Of Blinky Bill (Dorothy Wall) $6 HB EC A large illustrated version of the story of Blinky Bill, the mischievous little koala, one of the best-known and best-loved characters in Australian children's fiction. The scrapes and adventures in which naughty Blinky takes such enthusiastic pleasure (to the despair of his mother, Mrs Koala), and the bush creatures he meets along the way, have made these stories firm favourites with young Australians for many years. Dorothy Wall's lively and amusing tales and delightful drawings make this a book with immediate and lasting appeal for every child. Has never been out of print, and were adapted for television in the 1980s. 5-10 YO http://aussiebid.com.au/THE-COMPLETE-ADVENTURES-OF-BLINKY-BILL--Dorothy-Wall,itemname,68698924,id,auctiondetails
Australian Children’s Classics “Blinky Bill” (Dorothy Wall) $4 PB GC Blinky Bill, the mischievous little koala, is one of the best-known and best-loved characters in Australian children's fiction. The scrapes and adventures in which naughty Blinky takes such enthusiastic pleasure (to the despair of his mother, Mrs Koala) and the bush creatures he meets along the way, have made these stories firm favourites with young Australians for many years. 7-12 YO http://www.desertship-books.com.au/australian-classics/blinky-bill/prod_275.html
Dot And The Kangaroo (Ethel Pedley) $6 HB EC, $5 HB GC Lost and afraid in the darkening bush, Dot is befriended by a kind kangaroo. She eats the berries of understanding and is then able to communicate with all the bush creatures, who eventually guide her home. An Aussie favourite since it was first published in 1899. Lovely original pictures in a gorgeous quality publication. 8+ http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DOT-AND-THE-KANGAROO.-ETHEL-PEDLEY_W0QQitemZ290253877088QQcmdZViewItem?IMSfp=TL080818092a15194
The Magic Pudding (Norman Lindsay) $3 PB GC The adventures of those splendid fellows Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff, the penguin bold, and, of course, their amazing, everlasting and very cantankerous Puddin’. A very unusual pudding it is indeed! Whistle three times, turn it round and it’s steak-and-kidney, if that’s what you want, or hot jam roll, or delicious apple dumpling. It’s manners are appalling, but it tastes so good! Great pictures – a must read for Aussie kids! 9+ http://cgi.ebay.com.au/The-Magic-Pudding-The-Adventures-of-Bunyip-Bluegum_W0QQitemZ120294065674QQihZ002QQcategoryZ153103QQcmdZViewItem
Snugglepot And Cuddlepie (May Gibbs) $3 PB VGC, $4 HB VGC Undoubtably Australia’s best-loved children’s book, May Gibbs’ enchanting bush world, peopled with gumnut heroes and heroines, solid friends like Mr. Lizard and Mrs. Bear, and, of course, the villainous Banksia men, has played an important part in the imaginations of Australian children. Lovely pictures. 9+ http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Snugglepot-and-Cuddlepie-MAY-GIBBS-1998-p-b-Edition_W0QQitemZ130242584447QQihZ003QQcategoryZ153103QQcmdZViewItem
The Man From Snowy River (Elyne Mitchell) $3 PB GC From Banjo Paterson's immortal ballad comes the novel: Elyne Mitchell's stirring tale of the boy who became the man from Snowy River. Jim Craig is eighteen years old, and cannot return to his mountain home until he has proven himself a man. Jessica Harrison is the beautiful, impetuous daughter of the wealthy cattleman whose pounds 1000 colt runs off to join the brumby mob. And then there is the stallion, leader of the brumbies for almost twenty years, ranging free and proud in the mountains, whose very existence is like a dark thread running through the lives of so many people. 10+ http://www.oztion.com.au/vshops/item.aspx?itemid=4461123&tid=
The Man From Snowy River II (Tony Johnston) $3 PB EC Jim Craig has been away on the plains droving and gathering a large mob of horses to breed in his high country. Now he is returning to claim his heritage. The Man From Snowy River II continues the legend and brings to life again a man whose simple strengths will endure. 10+ http://www.oztion.com.au/vshops/item.aspx?itemid=2938896&shopid=710
Famous Australian Poetry Classics “Nine Miles From Gundagai” (Jack Moses) $3 PB FC (Small split to binding at base, name on inturn, small spots of ink on outer edge of pages) A collection of over 50 Aussie poems written by the famous bushman who wrote the popular verse, Nine Miles From Gundagai. His popular following was honoured by the erection of a statue showing a dog on a teamster’s tucker box on the road outside Gundagai, opened in 1932 by PM Joe Lyons. Illustrated with detailed pen sketches. 8+
The Book Of Australian Nursery Rhyme (Bindi-Bindi) $5 HB GC (Minor edge bumping to spine) This gorgeous hard cover book is a must for every child. Featuring 38 wonderful original nursery rhymes by Bindi-Bindi and 58 beautifully illustrated pages by Heather Blackstock. The nursery rhymes are all about Australian animals and include titles such as: Koala in the Tree, Two Black Crows, Hoppy the Kangaroo, Willy Wagtail, Mr Emu, Little Gecko, Mrs Possum and Nellie Numbat. http://giftsaustralia.com.au/?action=view&id=900858
Banjo Paterson
A Bush Christening (Banjo Paterson, illustrations Quentin Hole) $5 PB EC A beautifully illustrated copy of Banjo’s humorous poem. Set in the early pioneering days, this gorgeous picture book gives a real insight into life back then. 4-8 YO http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6368494
Waltzing Matilda (A.B. Paterson, illustrator Desmond Digby) $5 PB VGC Lovely paintings of the Australian bush accompany the poem which, sung to the tune of an old English marching song, has become practically an Australian national anthem. Any age. http://www.amazon.com/Waltzing-Matilda-B-Paterson/dp/0207170983
Clancy Of The Overflow (Banjo Paterson, illustrated by Robert Ingpen) $5 HBDJ VGC (Dust jacket has repaired tear and edges slightly bumped), $5 PB EC This classic Australian poem, more than a hundred years old, comes alive with fresh illustrations of the outback that Paterson loved so well. Beautifully illustrated by Robert Ingpen, this classic bush ballad is about Clancy, the legendary bushman. He is, to every Australian, a very real, larger-than-life figure, a free and independent spirit galloping through the wide open spaces: vigorous, hearty and self reliant. Any age.
Banjo’s Tall Tales (Banjo Paterson) $4 PB VGC, $6 HB EC A collection of irrepressible bush characters captured by the lively pen of A.B. "Banjo" Paterson and delightfully illustrated in colour on every page by Cheryl Westenberg. 5-9 YO
The Man From Snowy River And Other Verses (Banjo Paterson) $5 PB VGC (Contact covered) Paterson was an Australian poet and a journalist and a war correspondent in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902. He collected and wrote many stories and poems in his travels through the Australian outback. Paterson's more notable poems include "Waltzing Matilda", "The Man from Snowy River" and "Clancy of the Overflow". This is a collection of over 100 of his poems. 10+
Singer Of The Bush – The Poems Of A.B. Paterson (Illustrated by John Anthony King) $5 PB EC Gorgeously illustrated picture book. Any age.
Mulga Bill & Friends – The Angus & Robertson Book Of Songs And Poems $6 HB EC Contains Mulga Bill’s Bicycle, Waltzing Matilda, The Drover’s Dream, Click Go The Shears, The Man From Ironbark, A Bush Christening, The Last Of His Tribe, Andy’s Gone With Cattle and The Man From Snowy River. Lovely paintings throughout in a picture book style layout. Recommended! 5-10 YO
The Man From Snowy River $3 PB VGC A specially adapted version for younger readers with 58 colour pictures from the film. 6-10
The Man From Snowy River (A. B. Paterson, illustrated by Robert Lovett) $6 HBDJ EC Absolutely gorgeous paintings illustrate this classic Aussie poem. Any age.
Henry Lawson
The Roaring Days (Henry Lawson, illustrator Peter Lawson) $6 HBDJ EC The paintings capture the scenes of the bush and the gold diggings evoked by the verse and convey the same sense of longing for past times. Any age. http://www.kaysmusic.com/poetry.htm
Mary Called Him ‘Mister’ (Henry Lawson, illustrated by John Anthony King) $6 HB EC A selection of beautifully illustrated poems illuminating an often neglected side of the Bush Ballad era: the life of women in the bush – their strengths, their dreams, their hopes and their disappointments. 7-11 YO Recommended!
The Stories Of Henry Lawson (Angus & Robertson) $6 HB EC Contains 27 illustrated stories by our Aussie bush poet. A classic to have on hand. Any age.
Australian Classics “Henry Lawson: Selected Works” (Modern Publishing Group) $4 HB VGC (Light tanning) A collection of 75 complete and unabridged works, both poetry and stories of a literary genius who wrote his way into the Australian culture. He left a legacy that will long remain for his sensitivity, wit and humour. 11+ http://www.oztion.com.au/vshops/item.aspx?itemid=726672&shopid=2827&tid=