The School Bus Breaks Down is one of my favourites in this compilation of Australian poetry called The Magic of Verse. I remember learning this poem for an Eisteddfod when I attended Ulverstone Central Primary School...and since I caught the bust to school for half of my school life, it holds a special place in my heart. The chance of missing even one lesson as a result of a bus breakdown was an extremely exciting prospect. This book also contains poetry by C.J. Dennis, Mary Gilmore, L. Porter, Judith Wright, Lydia Pender and Pixie O' Harris. And of course, no compilation Australian poetry could possibly be complete or considered seriously without at least one entry from A. B. Patterson. The illustrations by one of Australia's most respected and admired illustrators, Noela Young, are welcome additions to the poems.
Thank you for your posting. I have been wracking my brain trying to remember the book I used in primary school speech and drama lessons. My favourite was "Miss Strawberry's Purse". Unfortunately, when I moved to England I could not take all my books with me. It is like meeting an old friend again. I have found a copy over here (England) and have ordered her.
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning this book. I am compiling a set of images of Noela Young's books because sadly she died last week. I want to highlight her amazing contribution to Australian Children's literature.
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