Rolf Harris is an Australian icon. Earlier this year he was inducted into the Aria Hall of Fame, an accolade which honours those whose musical achievements have had a significant impact in Australia and around the world. The song Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport is also an Australian icon-one of the most recognisable songs in our history. Harris first wrote it in the 1950s and it became a hit in Australia, Britain, Canada and the US in the 1960s. With Harris' signature wobbleboard accompaniment, it was the turning point in his career and he went on to become one of our most enduring artists. Anyone who has seen the British television shows featuring Harris as an artist, will be able to picture him doing the paintings for this book. They are typical of his work-flamboyant, bold and colourful. However, I’m not totally convinced that they translate well into the picture-book genre. The accompanying CD and DVD featuring Harris' live performance of the song is an added bonus. This is a perfect companion to Six White Boomers (illustrated by Bruce Whatley).

Margaret Hamilton is a former children’s publisher. She now provides freelance publishing services and reviews

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