This meticulously researched children’s reference book relates the history of Australia through its pictures. Using art from the National Gallery as a focal point, it examines a broad range of topics seen as intrinsic to Australian identity. All of the usual suspects are here: colonisation, Indigenous culture, bushrangers, and the gold rush. However, there are also sections on more specialised issues such as the rabbit plague, Antarctic exploration and the overland telegraph. Each section is supplemented by colourful ‘Did you know?’ panels offering extra snippets of information. This makes the book an excellent resource for projects and an indispensable inclusion in school libraries. However, its sophisticated language makes it more appropriate for an older audience of nine years and above. While it is undoubtedly a valuable learning tool, it is not the type of book that children would read for pleasure. In terms of presentation, it looks educational and instructive, rather than fun and exciting. Similarly, while the pictures featured are relevant in a historical sense, from a child’s perspective, they are not particularly engaging. Ultimately then, this is a book for librarians rather than young readers. However, as far as such books go, it is an exceptional one.

Leonie Jordan is a high school English teacher and former children’s bookseller

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