Vicki Bennett (text) and Tull Suwannakit (illustrator), The Flying Angel, Scholastic Australia, March 2021, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781743835517
A little girl is given a first aid kit on her fourth birthday. Her caring nature and love for her father who fought in the Great War fuels her desire to become a nurse and leads her on a courageous journey when she joins the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service.
Based on the life of nurse, Sister Marie Eileen Craig, The Flying Angel is a heartfelt and inspiring story of a group of nurses who worked to rescue and save soldiers from the frontline in Papua New Guinea during World War II. They became known to soldiers as the Flying Angels.
Vicki Bennett captures the sense of family, friendship, and compassion during times of conflict, and highlights the remarkable efforts of nurses working in dire conditions to help soldiers during war. The text is eloquent and places readers firmly in the shoes of the nurses who left an indelible mark on surviving soldiers.
Tull Suwannakit’s thoughtfully depicted illustrations convey the sombre undertones of war and is moving with his selection of light and dark tones, particularly the portrayal of exploding bombs in the night sky as a saddened nurse watches on, and the embraces and words of comfort given to soldiers lying in pain.
A beautiful tribute to the unsung heroes of war, The Flying Angel is a brilliant teaching resource for children starting school who are learning about World War II and Australian history. Central themes of perseverance, bravery and compassion lead the fore and offer many opportunities for classroom discussion and learning.
The Flying Angel is an ideal book honouring nurses’ efforts in World War II, and their ongoing and selfless contribution in society.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
