Reviews

The Best Cat the Est Cat is more than just a story, it’s a fabulous guided tour of the State Library of NSW hosted by a magical mystical cat!

Step inside the grand doors, embrace a little magic then explore the rooms, a gallery and take a lift deep underground. You’ll learn that not only books live at this library, but also history, knowledge, secrets, even ghosts in the walls. Discover old and obscure objects like the smallest book and the biggest map! The bravest, the boldest, the best and many more ‘ests’, the Best Cat shares them all!

So who is this mystical cat? His name is Trim, he’s a statue who sits outside and comes to life, the first cat in Australia they say and it’s all explained, I encourage you to read the book to find out more!

Glorious rollicking rhyme and mixed media illustrations work in unity to create an engaging publication filled with motion, history and curiosity. I adore the way map and script text is pasted into the illustrations, it’s like the finishing touches on a wholesome journey.

This book is a wonderful story and educational resource which would strengthen a visit to the State Library of NSW but equally works on its own. A list of over 30 items to seek and find features at the back of the book for extended fun and learning.

Libby Hathorn is an Australian award-winning author who has written over 80 books. Rosie Handley is an experienced designer, The Best Cat, the Est Cat is her debut title.

An outstanding presentation of the haiku master Basho’s fascinating journey north. The lyrical and inclusive nature of the text combines seamlessly with the fine artwork and its authentic representation of Japanese landscape. Together, writer and artist, invite readers to share the journey and to delight in it .

– Beverley George, Editor Windfall: Australian Haiku

In their engaging children’s book We Children and The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Libby Hathorn and Sadami Konchi draw on vignettes from the seventeenth century travel diary of the beloved Japanese poet Bashō, reframing them from the viewpoint of three sweet children. Izumi, Ren, and Yoshi live in a remote village that Bashō visits in passing, on his arduous odyssey to the northern interior of the country. While the poet is constantly on the move, with no home but the journey itself, the children’s lives are firmly anchored to place, surrounded by the familiar presence of their family and neighbours.

While Bashō’s focus is on seeking the eternal and letting go of the ephemeral, the children’s concerns centre around the here and now, their games and their pets, and the day-to-day rhythms of life in their village. The story reaches its climax when Bashō, having taken away little Yoshi’s pet frog in its cage, leads the children to the pond in which he has released it.

Here he shares with them his most famous haiku poem: ‘An old silent pond / A frog jumps in / Sound of water’ (trans. Nobuyuki Yuasa).

For the children, the sudden appearance of the travelling poet in their remote and quiet village has been as joyously turbulent, and as disruptive, as the splash of the frog as it lands in the still and silent pond. This precious poem and what it reveals will stay with them forever, even as the poet journeys on.

Sadami Konchi’s illustrations are nothing short of delightful; the warmth and wit of her style will bring this touching story to life for readers young and old.
– Nerida Jarkey, Honourary Associate Professor, University of Sydney

Inspired by the great master, we must not teach children the ‘rules’ of haiku. The spirit of haiku, this subtlest of art forms, is beyond rules—let children play with words and images in the way that only children can; encourage them to become poets themselves along the road of their own great journey.
– Simon Hanson, Secretary, Australian Haiku Society

In this heart-warming book, we discover that the journey can be home, that frogs should be free, and that poems last forever. The illustrations are lovingly drawn by the immensely talented Sadami Konchi.
– Ingrid Pillar, Distinguished Professor, Macquarie University

What a charming story about the wonderful poet Bashō! Great for schools and great for families! This book will take you and your children all the way along the Narrow Road to feel the astonishing beauty of Japan.
– Chiharu Ito, teacher Tokyo

I admire Libby Hathorn’s abilities to make a story about Bashō’s great poems—haiku that were created from the inspiration he gained while walking along the narrow road to the deep north with companion, Sora. How vividly Libby describes Japan, the children, the scenery, and the culture. I also admire Sadami Konchi’s exquisite forms and colouring. I was very impressed by the way this picture book brings together two abilities to create a splendidly beautiful and artistic world! Really this picture book is not just for children but also for adults too.
作家リビー・ヘイソンのすばらしい才能が,芭蕉の偉大な詩の物語りを作りました。お話しの中で,芭蕉が弟子の曽良と奥の細道を辿る路すがら, 得たインスピレーションから俳句を創作しています。リビーが生き生きと江戸時代の日本の子供たち,景色,文化を通して日本を描き出しています。また, 挿絵画家サダミ・コンチの優雅な絵のスタイルと色相が絶妙です。この絵本は見事に二人の才能を結び合わせ,たぐい稀にまで美しい芸術的世界を築き上げているのが印象に残ります。これは子供の絵本としてのみならず、大人でも十分に満足しうる一書です。
– 結城　文　　　　東京　日本
– Aya Yuhki, Tokyo

Libby Hathorn and Christina Booth are the respected creators of the timely and beautiful poetry anthology for children Mother Earth: poems to celebrate the wonder of nature. This volume is timely because most people – young and old – are now convinced more than ever of the need to rescue the planet by enjoying and looking after it. Mother Earth is a beautiful work, with each of Hathorn’s finely honed poems enhanced by Booth’s thoughtful, atmospheric illustrations.

Many of the poems are set in the Australian bush; Under a Tree, Tree Planting Rap, and Bush Picnic.

The beach and Antarctica feature in Out the Back; Beach Blues; and Iceberg Secret.

Mother Earth is neatly bookended by two haiku. Highlights include the poems Only Connect with its unforgettable rainbow-coloured tree; Valley Under the Rock, an anthem set on Gundungurra land; and The Wonder Thing, adapted from Hathorn’s memorable 1995 picture book into a literary riddle and depicted as a magnificent night scene with luminous fungi.

The design of the book is impeccable, with 1-3 similarly themed poems each sharing a double page. These are illustrated in different styles to conjure the poem’s playful, instructive or elegising tones.

Mother Earth will be valued by families and schools and is a potential award-winner. It takes us on a glorious journey through lyrical words and pictures.

Mother Earth: Lothian / Hachette July 2023 / Hardback

A great title that positions readers right in the story before the book is even open. The addition of ‘A Cautionary Tale’ establishes the mood which is carried strongly in the tightly rhythmed metre of the written text.

The illustrations, executed in a child-like scribbly style, lend real vigour to the character’s attitude and actions. They work with the written text to provide insight and extra information. The emotions of the protagonist are ‘loud and clear,’ as are the expressions of her parents and other characters. Young children being read to will delight in joining in the repetitive phrase, “No! Never!”

The solution to the problem is neatly handled and although the resolution arrives quite clearly before the end of the book, readers will relate to Georgie’s change of heart and new-found sense of cooperation.

The underlying tongue-in-cheek sense of humour will delight both adult and child readers.

Charming, very funny and all too real, this delightful, cautionary tale is one parents will absolutely enjoy reading to their children, regardless of whether they are at that certain age. The text is large and bold, the illustrations from debut illustrator Mel Pearce, capture perfectly the antics of a small child when they discover they have ‘the power’ in the household and set out to use it, often with maximum effect.

Award winning Australian author Libby Hathorn is passionate about poetry. So it’s not surprising she’s teamed up with renowned watercolour painter and portraitist Sadami Konchi, to create this beautiful story about Haiku and the 17th Japanese master Matsuo Basho.

We Children and The Narrow Road to the Deep North takes us back in time to a small village at the beginning of the Edo era in Japan where three children – Izumi, Ren and little Yoshi – eagerly anticipate a visit by the master poet.

Their father has told them Basho is walking a long way to ‘. . . look at things.’ Their mother adds, ‘And then he writes his poems, special poems that will last forever.’ There is great excitement as friends gather that evening in the house of the village poet to listen to Basho’s stories about his journey and hear some of his precious Haiku’s read aloud by the master himself. The next morning before they leave Sora, Basho’s travelling companion, gives each of the children a small drawing as a gift, along with three brushes, to encourage them to capture their own images. Basho’s gift is a special poem for little Yoshi about the small boy’s pet frog, now set free to live in its pond home.

Libby’s gentle and thought-provoking text highlights the emotive nature of words, and how poetry can capture so succinctly the essence of our world. The story is brought to life by Sadami’s gorgeous watercolours that eloquently depict the simplicity of life in 17th century Japan.

An important book to have not only as an introduction to Haiku and Matsuo Basho, but also as a reminder that, in our fast paced world words matter, and it’s good to slow down, quietly take note of what’s around us, and enjoy life’s journey.

Thank you for speaking with PaperbarkWords, Libby and Lisa.

Whose idea was the book and how did you collaborate?

We say the evolution of this book was organic. A retort of ‘No! Never!’ when Lisa’s 3 year old, Georgina, was asked to tidy away her toys seemed so funny at the time and when Lisa suggested to me it was a good idea for a children’s book, we set to work. We were already collaborating on a bush fantasy so we were used to each other’s working style – Lisa strong on humour and surprise, Libby strong on structure and format, both of us loving verse.

What is the significance of the title and the exclamation marks?

The way in which three and a half year old Georgie drew herself up to her full height and exclaimed quite firmly ‘No!’ paused, and then dramatically added ‘Never!’ A classic moment.

Which age group would you love to see No! Never! shared with?

 We think it really suitable for ‘littlies’ and their parents and kids up to 7 years at least! In fact, wonderful for long-suffering parents and grandparents everywhere.

How have you been able to show the lovely relationships between Georgie and her family?

Geogie is obviously a well-loved child testing her independence and investigating the power of refusal. The frustrated parents are driven to working out a way to moderate this kind of behaviour, still trying to maintain the loving relationship with their young one, and yet teaching Georgie something important. Sometimes very tricky.  It is, after all,  a cautionary tale…

How and why have you used rhyme?

So satisfying to read out loud and have the children join in …

Your story has some clever twists. How have you been able to distil these into a short picture book?

A good picture storybook is like a good poem particularly in the way its conclusion is often a surprise and a rounding off. And every word counts. So we set the scene with lots of repetition for young ones who respond so well to it, and the story seemed to take off of its own accord in rhyme!

What do you hope children learn about the importance of words?

That words sing and have rhythm and have enormous power. In the case of No! Never! Georgie learns that ‘no’ can also hurt,  but also that the right words  can help breach any hurt!

How would you describe Mel’s illustration style, and why did you decide to accompany your words with this style of illustration?

An hilarious interpretation of our text,  from Georgie herself to oh so frustrated parents, to the ever-present baby, to the very pictures on the wall. So full of verve and good humour, and oh so suitable!  Would love to do a futher text with her on Manners Matter!

Libby, could you tell us about some of your other books across genres, including some of which you are particularly proud?

Two of  my most recent picturebook offerings A Soldier, a Dog and a Boy a tender Anzac story;  and Miss Franklin, a slice of life of iconic writer Miles Franklin, are both illustrated by the remarkable artist Phil Lesnie.

An old favourite picturebook The Wonder Thing tells through Peter Gouldethorpe’s amazing artwork, how very precious water is.

Lisa, which of Libby’s books resonate most with you – now and growing up?

There are so many! Mum is so prolific and has a range in writing styles! Picturebook-wise, the first one that resonated in a serious way was Way Home, about a homeless boy, a stark yet hopeful Australian story. And of course, I loved Thunderwith book and movie! I also loved dipping in to the naughty tales of All About Anna. I loved Ghoststop too. More recently, with my small children my go-tos were The Great Big Animal Ask, A Baby for Loving, Incredibilia, and particularly Outside soon to be a music theatre piece. Also the house was always filled with poetry, such as Bellbirds, ‘By Channels of Coolness’ by Henry Kendall.

Thanks very much for your responses, Libby and Lisa, and all the best with your fun and thoughtful creation No! Never!

https://www.hachette.com.au/libby-hathorn-lisa-hathorn-jarman-mel-pearce/no-never

REVIEW BY:
BY THE BOOK: KIDS

Out of the horrors of World War came some uplifting and inspiring stories such as an Australian soldier who smuggled home a French orphan boy so he could adopt him as his son. The true story inspired Hathorn to write this gentle and moving story set on the fields of France during the war. ..the story is told entirely in the form of dialogue which gives more immediacy and intimacy. Phil Lesnie’s gorgeous soft watercolour illustrations tells the emerging story in full colour, with memories painted in contrasting sepia. This is a beautiful book with a very positive message about rising above the barbarity of war that will introduce young readers to the stories about Anzacs on the Western front.

Troy Lennon, Daily Telegraph, April 21^st 2016.

REVIEW BY:
‘READ ME’ ANZAC HISTORY FOR CHILDREN

Libby Hathorn’s moving story about a young Australian soldier at the Battle of the Somme . the ward-winning author and poet tells this powerful s tory of a young soldier far from home a boy left homeless and orphaned by war and the stray dog that brings them together. But the soldier realizes the boy needs the dog more- and perhaps his help as well. With beautiful illustrations by Phil Lesnie this is a deeply moving celebration of friend ship in times of war.

Laura Sullivan Daily Telegraph 23^rd April 2016.

Georgie finds secret messages in leaves, flowers, on window panes and in the clouds. Max and Harriet are unimpressed …Georgie is undeterred. She continues to find messages and collects things to play her new game Incredibilia; this time the finally follow Little Georgie to a special place where they play together.

The illustrations by Gaye Chapman are light and whimsical; the children are part pixie, part flower fairies. The work uses mixed media with water colour, ink and pencil in a style that is perfect to stimulate the imaginations of young readers.

Libby Hathorn ‘s achievements are many and this new picture book will only enhance her status in Australia children’s literature with its pertinent message to our young readers (and perhaps to our teachers and parents.)

Carmel Bollinger

Title: Miss Franklin: How Miles Franklin’s brilliant career began

Author: Libby Hathorn

Genre: Historical Picture Book

Publisher: Hachette/Lothian

Published: 28th May 2019

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 32

Teenager Stella Miles Franklin has to work to help support her family. Stella is unhappy in her job and longs for the freedom and excitement of city life.

While working, she meets a young orphan girl, Imp, who is almost as feisty as Stella herself, and who spurs the older girl on to follow her dreams.

Inspired by events in Miles Franklin’s life, Miss Franklin is told by multi-award-winning author Libby Hathorn and acclaimed illustrator Phil Lesnie and includes a facts page about Stella Miles Franklin.

Picture books like this introduce children to history and people that sometimes are never encountered… It is as much a story about encouraging you to follow your dreams as it is about how Miles got to where she did and became such a well-known author’ – Book Muse

Hungry for adventure, seventeen-year old Maurice Roche volunteers for service at the outbreak of of the Great War. From his family farm at Kyogle, in northern NSW, he sails to the Dardanelles where he soon experiences the horror, misery and privations of war, as well as the transcendent gifts of loyalty and deep friendship that develop between young men sharing their precious lives in the hardship of battle.

After the Gallipoli debacle, Maurice and his mates are ordered to Europe, where they must now serve on the bloody fields of France and Flanders. Meanwhile, his mother has a change-of-life baby, his new little sister Dorothea.

As she grows into adulthood and eventual old age, Dorothea forges a deep bond with the brother she never knew, through his diaries and paintings of the conflict in Europe.

She tries to pass on her love of family, devotion, and patriotism, to her grandson, the deeply troubled sixteen year old Oliver Day, who at first wants nothing to do with ANZAC Day, family tradition, or anything else. However despite his hurt and hard-heartedness, Oliver still holds a deep, protective tenderness towards his little sister Poppy, rendered mute by an earlier bout of meningitis, and whom Oliver is desperate to help.

With these parallel story lines, Libby Hathorn has woven a multi-layered, richly textured tale which links Maurice’s short life to his great-nephew Oliver – through their love of painting- but also through Dorothea. The author effectively uses colloquial jargon and slang, and interjects songs and poems that resonated with those soldiers of long ago.

Although we are in very familiar territory with this subject, there is nothing clichéd or hackneyed about Eventual Poppy Day which is more a ‘circle of life’ family saga rather than a coming of age novel.

This is a deeply moving, uplifting tale that shows the redeeming power of love, loyalty and family ties, can blossom out of grief, loss and the unbounded tragedy of war. Highly recommended.

Her collaboration with Ritva Voutila is a triumph, as the digitally created illustrations complement the text beautifully. Outside takes the reader on a journey through a garden as seen through the eyes of two young children. All senses are aroused as they feel the warmth of the sun, the tickly grass on their feet and observe the brilliant colours in the garden.

What’s that?
It’s the fluttery leaves in the magical breeze
In the summery sun
Outside

Pre-school children, along with junior primary children will delight in the rhyme, rhythm and repetitive nature of the text. As the reader progresses through the pages the text accumulates, not unlike aspects of the nursery rhyme The House That Jack Built. Young children will be enchanted by the brilliant illustrations as they explore the patterns which create a magical garden, search for the cat which features on many pages and watch the mother as she engages the two children in a story whilst they all sit on a rug.

This picture book is indeed a celebration of childhood wonder, the joys of nature and the warmth of family life. It is a feast for the senses for all those who have the privilege to read it. Highly recommended.

ONE of the things smartphones have reminded us of is that reading makes bearable the boring moments: waiting in queues, for a friend at a cafe, for the lights to change, for the halted train to trundle at last into the station.

This joyful little book, small enough to fit in a handbag or pocket, does that, and left me with a glow that lasted for hours, sometimes for days. As it is so joyful, reflective and wise, I find it sad that the economics of mainstream publishing would have kept it from us were it not for Sydney writer Libby Hathorn, a poet herself, who believed in it and published it.

I’m aware poetry doesn’t sell but it seems to me that much about this book would escape that stricture.

The poems collected here seem like salt and sugar and flour and soap, household necessities for anyone musing on what it is to be human, and especially to be a woman.

Some of the poets translate Women’s Work literally. Here’s Tricia Dearborn, for example, after a lunch hour lying on grass: “back at my desk I see patterns,/ hieroglyphics, a strange language// impressed on the skin/ of my inner arms// I’m sure I can read it/ I’m sure it says: give up your day job”.

Or Sarah Day, on wrapping a person in a sheet: “The linen origami is as follows:/ take up the sides of the sheet/ beneath and fold together/ As you’d wrap a gift;/ secure with pins or tape./ There will be pleats about the head and feet./ Faces are not easy./ Tape the second label/ to the outside of the sheet./ You will find you cease to talk/ as soon as the wrapping/ and the taping are done.”

And Judith Beveridge writing about a saffron picker: ” … She knows/ equations: how many stigmas balance each// day with the next; how many days divvy up/ the one meal; how many rounds of a lustrous/ table the sun must go before enough yellow// makes a spoonful heavy”.

Some poets consider housework, and are wry about it: Moya Pacey, for instance, on the thought that underwear should be kept out of sight, including “your french lace knickers/ forlorn & ragged as a bed/ of wild silk pansies/ at the end of a hot summer’s day”.

Others ponder women’s work in bearing and rearing children, such as in these charming lines by Lesley Walter: “I’m touched by what my children put in pictures … / how mum and dad are only ever smiling … “.

I’m a novelist, greedy for stories, but when potent images and lines of compressed meaning fill my mind and resonate in my heart, I’m once again convinced poetry is the highest form of art.

But the heart of my enjoyment of this book was the multiplicity of voices talking lyrically but truthfully – for the two can often be separated – that I as a woman am not alone. Often I need reminding of that.

So this beautifully decorated little book should come with a warning: this poetry causes delight.

Women’s Work: A Collection of Contemporary Women’s Poetry
Compiled by Libby Hathorn and Rachael Bailey
Pax Press

Libby Hathorn sensitively explores the abstract concept of peace by putting it in a more personal context. Her allegorical text tells the story of one small boy who has a falling-out with his friend. The loss of his own inner peace helps him to understand what it must be like for boys like him in faraway places where the absence of peace is a matter of life and death.

This is a book that engages on many levels. The essence of Hathorn’s poignant prose-poem is graphically captured in Bruce Whatley’s unusual and moving imagery. While the usual symbolism is there – the white peace dove, the pulsating heart – the simplicity of Whatley’s imagery ensures that his illustrations are very emotive. His people are abstract, gingerbread-man shapes, with minimalist but highly expressive facial features. And his understated palette is all creams, whites and grey-blues, with just the occasional splash of illuminating warm reds or oranges.

The combination of Hathorn’s lyrical, contemplative text and Whatley’s introspective, haunting illustrations produces a thought-provoking book which cleverly explores the fraught, fragile and often fleeting nature of peace, on both a personal and much wider level.

We see the world through a young boy’s eyes in all its harshness and beauty, and the reader is shown the kernel from which hope springs as well as the barrenness of the world without it.

A Boy Like Me is one of those picture books which speaks to the reader’s soul and illuminates, for a short time, the bigger picture-the role which peace plays in giving humanity hope. Beautiful poetry by Hathorn is accompanied by emotive illustrations by Whatley to convey the hope and salvation offered through peace. Retailers will find this a difficult book to promote as it doesn’t fit easily into the children’s picture book category and could quite comfortably sit in the gift book or motivational sections of a book store. However, difficulties in promotion will be surpassed by this book’s potential appeal to a wide cross section of readers.

A Boy Like Me is sure to feature on award lists in 2012 and will impress any adult reader who takes the time to be embraced by its warmth.

In Fire Song, the year is 1954 and Ingrid Crowe lives with her mother and four-year-old sister, Pippa, in Grandma Logan’s house in the Blue Mountains. While Ingrid loves the house and the many memories it holds of her dead grandmother, her mother loathes it and the quiet town she feels is suffocating her.

Desperately poor and determined to burn the house down for insurance money, Ingrid’s mother enlists her help in the arson. This forces Ingrid to battle her loyalty to family and her own sense of right and wrong.

Frightened and with no one to turn to, Ingrid feels she has no choice but to do as her mother says.

Fire Song is a gripping portrayal of life in the 1950s and the pressures facing families. It draws on the influences and experiences of migrants, and the bigotries, misconceptions and kindnesses of a small community. Hathorn’s characters, their situations and their idiosyncrasies are the lifeblood of her storytelling.

‘Hathorn’s confident, award-winning style of writing makes this a rewarding book that a range of readers will be happy to curl up with and enjoy.’

Georgiana Molloy was a woman of incredible strength, courage, great compassion and generosity. She left a privileged upbringing in England, to take up a pioneering life in the Swan River area of Australia, in the early 1800s. After settling with her magistrate husband, John Molloy, at Augusta, she cultivated her love and interest in flowers and the surrounding natural world of which she never grew tired, and which earned her the name ‘Woman of Flowers’.

Loved by many, though her religious zeal managed to alienate some, Georgiana documented all her floral findings and much of her daily life in journals.

Hathorn has brilliantly portrayed Georgiana’s short life, which includes the lives of those that surrounded her, and the brutality and presence of the era. The writing flows beautifully throughout. Especially visual are the descriptions of the plants and flowers, their colour, and the wildness that bred them.

 ‘Hathorn has crafted an eloquent and often gripping portrait of a fledgling settlement and of a little known trailblazer.’
– Rosemary Neil Kids’ Lit – The Australian, 25 June, 2008

A Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book; Winner society of Women Writers’ NSW Book Award, shortlisted in the Family Therapy Awards and the Christina School Award, 1999

A rift seemed to have taken place. It was as if the town had slowly and silently split into two parts. Two opposing camps. Those who wanted to be with the Pastor- and those who did not.

When Vaughan Roberts’ parents take off to United States he is dumped with his grandmother in an isolated coastal town Vaughan longs to join the local gang of boys, but before he can, he must complete a frightening initiation- a seemingly impossible underwater swim. Little does Vaughan know he is a pawn in a terrifying ritual and he must fight for his very survival.

REVIEW BY:
Will Joyner, The New York Times

‘…Ms Davis, surrounded by an appealing supporting cast, deftly displays the rewards of self-scrutiny – “The Echo of Thunder” becomes a coming-of-age tale for all ages. That’s something television could do with a lot more of.’

April 18, 1998

TELEVISION REVIEW:
A MATTER OF LOVE AND TRUST, IN SHORT FAMILY

The echo of Thunder – the movie version of Thunderwith
Hallmark Hall of Fame

Everything is perfect and then a husband’s daughter arrives, upsetting the balance.

These days the fine actress Judy Davis so completely represents a frenetic urban brittleness, by way of Woody Allen, that it’s startling to contemplate her against the lush and incompletely tamed vistas of Australia, her homeland. And that’s exactly where she is placed in The Echo of Thunder a quiet but effective Hallmark Hall of Fame movie.

Ms Davies plays Gladwyn Ritchie a contemporary woman who escaped to a farm in the wilds with her husband Larry (Jamey Sheridan) and their three children Opal (Emily Jane Browning), Pearl (Chelsea Yates) and Jasper (Ben and James Hanson). With much struggle, the Ritchies grow palm trees to sell to hotels and shopping centre chains. The densely green landscape overlooking pristine beaches, is gorgeous, but safety requires and educated vigilance regarding animals and the elements….

The film proceeds through a series of realistic impressively unsensational crises- a fire, an accident with an axe, a brush with a bully from a neighbouring farm – as Lara, anything but a self centgred city girl tries to toughen up. Along the way she has to decipher the cold reaction she encounters especially on the part of Gladwyn and to figure out if she is still alone in the world.

It’s not surprising that what ends up being essential here is Ms Davis and her talent at exploring the intricate vocabulary of neurosis. Gladwyn a forbidding, can-do sort of woman is deeply threatened by the embodiment of her husband’s beautiful artistic, first love and early on she seems downright cruel to Lara. But as she realizes how much she identifies with the teenager-and as Ms Davis, surrounded by an appealing supporting cast, deftly displays the rewards of self-scrutiny-The Echo of Thunder becomes a coming of age tale for all ages. That’s something television could do with a lot more of.

CBS Channel 2 in New York. Will Joyner The New York Times, April 1998.

Notes:
Shot near the town of Beecham, Victoria, directed by Simon Wincer, the cast includes Ernie Dingo as the Aboriginal story teller and Michael Caton as father of the bully boy Gowd . Dorothea G Petrie, producer, Brent Shields, co -producer and Richard Welsh, executive producer. Read more about the making of Thunderwith.

“Hathorn deftly injects a sense of wonderment into this intense, very real story.”
– Publishers Weekly

Thunderwith possesses “a believable plot featuring a shattering climax and a satisfyingly realistic resolution.”
– Horn Books

“Hathorn’s especially expert weaving of story and setting.”
– Robert Strang, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Hathorn’s control over her complex subject is admirable; her insight into character sure and true; her ear for dialogue keen.” …the author’s “nimble detour from the usual route will leave readers surprised, even breathless.”
– Karen Jameyson, Magpies

A Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book; Winner, Society of Women Writers’ NSW Book Awards.

Can Robbie survive alone on the streets?

Robbie a homeless boy is caught up in a crime he want no part of… It is is an old lady he mugs in the park. Their chance meeting brings about an unlikely friendship which offers both of them a new future. But can he forget Mandy away from the bully Pale who pursues him?

“This is the dangerous inner city at night and we travel with Shane as he takes home a stray kitten, running terrified from a gang, leaping through screaming traffic, escaping a fierce dog and finally arriving ‘home’…The stunning artwork and brilliant design of this dark book make it an exciting read for older children”.
– Anthony Brown, London Financial Times

“The writing is slangy, tough and vivid. The pictures are powerful, realistic and convincing. Altogether, Way Home is a terrific book”
– Raymond Briggs, TES

“Dark and dramatic…streetwise and inventive…”
– Guardian

“It’s not only a perfect picture book to pore over – it’s a powerful story too”.
– Daily Telegraph