Penny Harrison (text) and Virginia Gray (illustrator), Wild Bush Days, Midnight Sun Publishing, 32 pp., RRP $29.99 (hbk), August 2022, ISBN 9780987380906
Wild Bush Days weaves together the story of a 1900s circus performer turned Lady Bushranger, with the story of two modern-day adventurers following her trail. As the young girls explore the mountains, they follow whispers on the wind and sense the bushranger’s presence. The stories run parallel to show the adventurous spirit is timeless.
The story is told with lovely evocative language and imagery. Penny Harrison’s words bring the mountain setting alive with history and adventure. The story switches between the two timelines, and often leaves space for readers’ own interpretations. Virginia Gray’s illustrations show the bushranger and girls as active and daring. There are lots of details to explore in the stunning bush setting, like native plants and animals.
This story is best suited to children aged 5 and above, as they will be better able to understand the dual storyline. Wild Bush Days would make a great addition to school and classroom libraries and could support the teaching of History and creative writing.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
