Australia Books

Elizabeth Honey is the author of Don't Pat the Wombat has a great idea for a book. She writes about a kid named Mark and his friends are going to camp with their teachers! One of their teachers nicknamed the Boom, because he hates all kids and tries to drown a kid named Journa! Mark and his friends have to save Jouna from the Boom. This book is funny and exciting. That's why you should read this book.

I am sixteen years old and Australian. Don't Pat The Wombat was my favourite book when I was ten, and I recently reread it. I'd forgotton how funny and accurate it was.

First, some background information about the setting. Despite what it may appear, the kids are not going to summer camp. They are going to school camp. The difference is, it happens during school time, and not during summer. The summer holidays happen over Christmas, and they only last for six weeks, so no summer camp. Edwina and Helmut are not counsellors. They are backpackers how happened to be in the area. Also, the slang is fairly accurate, if I recall primary school correctly.

Don't Pat The Wombat is about a group of boys in year six, who have called themselves the Coconuts. They're the troublemakers of their class. A few weeks before camp, they become friends with a new kid named Jonah, who is from a rural area. Jonah makes enemies with Brian Cromwell, a cruel teacher that the Coconuts have nicknamed the Bomb, because he explodes. They go to camp in the bush, and have fun. Most of the book is taken up with the description of the fun, but towards the end it develops a more serious theme. Jonah starts opening up slightly, and has an encounter with the Bomb.

The book has a very light hearted tone, which is why I think I loved it so much. You could count the serious bits on the fingers of one hand. The characters are believable twelve-year-olds, and act in a believable way. I was never one of the troublemakers myself, but I remember school camp, before popularity became everything and kids still listened to the teachers. And the lollies, who could forget the lollies?

Elizebeth Honey has written a few other novels, of which the Stella Streets are the closest in tone to this one. I'd recomend those as well.

It's no secret that there are thousands of fantastic unknown children's books out there. I would even go so far as to estimate that over 60% of the best kid books disappear without so much as a ripple under the waves of subsequently published literature. So this is all the more reason to appreciate a well-written unknown book when you find it. That book, such as it is, is Elizabeth Honey's "Don't Pat the Wombat". A fine frolicsome Aussie import, this tale of kids, camp, and canoes is one of the best kept secrets in fiction today. And it's freakin' hilarious.

The plot follows a group of roughly ten year-old boys called The Coconuts. They named themselves that after the narrator(nickname: Exclamation Mark)'s mom drove them around singing, "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts..." The other boys include Wormz, Nicko, Azza, Mitch, and Jonah. Jonah, to be honest, is the real hero of this tale. A calm silent boy, Jonah earns the wrath of the school's most dreaded teacher, The Bomb. When the boys head out for summer camp (an event that included not only the boys but their teachers from school and two parents) it's just their bad luck that The Bomb comes along for the ride.

First of all, this book is undoubtedly one of the funniest I've read in a very long time. Funny books never get any respect, you know. Not adult funny books, nor children's funny books. This is a story where the narrator's mom plays on a basketball team called The Cellulites. The pictures, supposedly drawn by the author, are a hoot and a holler (and frighteningly similar to pictures an actual ten year-old would draw). And the storyline has the boys pulling the kind of innocent pranks you'd expect of them. I was particularly taken with a moment where the boys (after a rousing mud fight) decided to play dead to see what their German counselor Helmut would do:

"Oh, they're dead!" goes Helmut. "What a pity, I'd better bury them," and he started shoveling mud on us.

It's that kind of story. On top of that, there's some interesting Australian language to grapple with. America is the kind of country that takes great pains in changing words in the Harry Potter books that appear "too British" for delicate American children's ears. Apparently, Australian slang is a completely different matter. Initially I was quite taken aback by the amount of words I either couldn't understand or couldn't pronounce. Here's a great example. It describes the teacher nicknamed Chook:

"If something goes right, she says, `Jolly beaut!' and if something goes wrong, she goes, `Blinking heck!' For something amazing, she says, `By jingo!' She wears Daisy Duck shoes".

The book's full of this kind of thing. When a boy calls his teacher a nerd his mother patiently corrects him and says the terms he's looking for is "duffer". Slang includes words like "derr" as well. I mean, I think it's great! More books should be coming into our country with these kinds of words. But if you're not prepared for them, it's a bit of a shock.

If I have any objections with this book it's that it's too darn short. Too short by far. You finally are beginning to get a little more insight into the characters and before you know it, time's up! Story's done. All in all, however, I consider this book one of the lost greats. It'd make a fantastic read-aloud to those students that are reluctant to read. The characters are likable, the plot is quick, and the photos and pictures very funny. For a sure fire crowd pleaser (if they can get past the slang) give this book a try. The funniest Australian children's book I have ever, or may ever, read.

Remember summer camp in all it's wonderful, horrible glory? Elizabeth Honey does and she brings the memories back to life with this outrageous and funny tale about a group of Aussie sixth grade boys (known as the Coconuts and later, the Convicts) off to camp.

Narrated by Mark (or "Exclamation Mark"), he gives us the tell-all tales about his friends and their antics. They befriend newcomer Jonah, who takes on the Convict's ultimate nemesis, teacher Mr. Cromwell, a.k.a. the Bomb. ("Cromwell at camp is like Darth Vader at your birthday party.")

This a frenetic and fun book, documenting the misadventures of outback camplife (complete with mud fights, exploring, an end-of-camp pageant and of course, wombats!

Definately worth a read!

The first thing that grips me is that Greenway is a true master of English style, on every level, a melding of H.L. Mencken and an enraged bulldozer. Second is the insights he gives (sometime too freely) into himself.

He displays a wonderful and commendable arrogance because he probably does know what he's talking about better than almost anyone else. At times that can be wearing - his utmost certainty that he's right about the world and its functioning. But under the hardheadedness is a love for even those he castigates among both the aborigines and the white Aussies.

A romantic pragmatist-conservative, if you can imagine such a thing, he goes far, far beyond the usual academic study to probe the personal and cultural reasons that motivate both individuals and groups. There's a certain sadness, too, in his search for a home, which he has found in the Australian bush, but which can never be truly his.

Greenway has an immense, almost frightening intellect combined with a tough-love humanity that he hides under a roiling run of billingsgate. There was no one else like him that I'm aware of, and not likely there will be.

I agree with the earlier positive reviews of this book. This is travelogue from a master story teller, and a folklorist to boot.

Greenway worked with Norman Tindale in his later decades. Tindale was probably Australia's first archaeologist, but he had polymath interests. Tindale during World War Two played a major role in detecting the origin point of the Japanese Fu-Gu firebomb balloons used as part of a vain attempt to saboutage the US / Canadian war effort in the Pacific North West. Tindale, then a RAAF intelligence officer, analysed the sand used for the ballast and thus helped locate their point of origin. Greenway tells us what it was like to work with thinkers like this. Another of Tindale's many accomplishments was mapping the tribal areas of virtually all the Australian Aboriginal tribal groups.

Greenway gives us a feel for pioneering work in anthropology in outback Australia during the final decades of the close of the Australian frontier. The last tribal group to have 'first contact' with Europeans was contacted about 1967.

Greenway's style is anecdotal but displays the depth of his specialist knowledge, down to earth common sense and impatience with the pretentious and fraudulent.

A combination travelogue, biography and history.

I read this book a couple of times long many moons ago but still must concur with those who say it's a great book. The author, John Greenway, enflamed the passions of students at his university and he claimed he was, by their lights, the campus reactionary. Alack! The students did not know that in a review of one of his early books, American Folksongs of Protest, he was described by the Soviet Appartchik reviewer as "America's most progressive folklorist." Gotta love the dichotomy! Greenway was also chummy with Woody Guthrie, Aunt Molly Jackson and a folksinger in his own right. In fine, Dylan himself even pilfered one of his songs.

The author, John Greenway, was my professor. This book is without doubt his masterpiece, his magnum opus. It takes the reader on a profound journey into the heart of Australia, explaining and teaching about Culture itself, the great driving engine of all human social organization. His chapter on religion is succinct and potent, and perceptive students will be indelibly changed by its insights. Dr. Greenway spent 15 years in the desert among the aborigines. His amusing tales of the characters he met and studied are almost mythic as described, a testimony to Greenway's powerful literary style (he was a student of Anglo-Saxon literature and folksongs, and studied under the great MacEdward Leach at the University of Pennsylvania). His storytelling ability is his strongest asset. But more important, the reader will be lifted above his own culture to see why people act as they do. I predict that this book will be republished some day and become a recognized text in cultural anthropology. Dr. Greeenway was a pioneer, and far ahead of his time.

I stumbled across the Earth User's Guide to Permaculture when I was searching for good books on the topic as I was looking for material to help start our permaculture garden, and the good reviews I read online convinced me to buy it. And am I glad I did!

I only had a very general idea about permaculture, and most of it was "theoretical". There's a plethora of free information available online as to WHY permaculture, but there isn't much about HOW. This book is an excellent guide which addresses this need, explaining in a simple manner the varied and multi-faceted techniques and processes of creating and nurturing your own permaculture garden/farm.

The book is divided in to 6 main sections:
Part 1: An observing and appraising eye
Part 2: Ecological themes in permaculture
Part 3: Applying permaculture
Part 4: Adding resilience to design
Part 5: Social permaculture

The first two parts talk extensively on the WHY of permaculture, and the next three sections talk about HOW in detail.

If you are like me, a newbie to permaculture, this is the one book you should have on your shelf. I'm sure veterans too would find it quite useful.

The author has had many years of international experience in training people
in all aspects of the permaculture philosophy and lifestyle.
With global warming making the whole issue more pressing, the book is
easy to read, covers all areas including disaster planning and shows how
fulfilling is is to tread lightly on the earth and regain control of basic
aspects of living. To become a permaculturist is to join a world-wide
movement of individuals determined to leave the world a better place.

This is my favorite Permaculture book so far. I've read several, but "Earth User's Guide to Permaculture" seems to have the most practical, hands-on information. It is presented in an easy to understand format, with exercises that will help the reader gain the necessary skills. A wonderful overview of Permaculture.

Well, I am no expert, but if one book were going to get me there, this is the one. It has everything from suggested diagrams for planting your permaculture yard or acreage, to planting techniques for us late starters. If you only get one book on the subject, this is a good choice.

the exiles was a wonderfully written novel that is full of suspense and keeps the reader glued to their chair. It is a masterpiece and is well worth reading. You really do feel like you are there with the convicts.

I have 10 hard back volumes of the Australian series, all written under William Stuart Long, all very well written and well worth the long wait to obtain your full series collection. I believe there are two more one being the Nationals which I would love to be able to locate.All are based on factual historical events making the fictional characters appear as real people in history.Apart from the history the story is very entertaining,making it hard to put the book down.

This book takes you back to the late 1700's to England where criminals, justly and unjustly accused, were transported under ghastly conditions to Australia to begin a new colony. When reading this book, you really feel as if you were there right along with the exiled prisoners. Although the book is fiction, it is based on events that actually happened, and I feel I now understand a bit more about this period in Australia's history. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

This series should be used as a teaching guide. It gives a remarkable insight into the reality of a new colony built on hatred and fear. What our ancestors endured was without doubt incredible. The corruption and politics unequalled. The insensitivity of the British Admiralty and the cruelty of the English Government against the Irish and their own people was horrific. Vivian Stuart's research and insight into the personalities of our founding fathers & early colonists is brilliant. This historical record has been written with passion and understanding. I advise every Australian and those interested in history to read this account. It is also a tribute to William Bligh, who should be vindicated in history as he was not only a great mariner but a fine leader. Read it.

The Lonely Planet guidebook series is known for combining travel tips with cultural and historical education, and the Falkland Islands guide is no exception. The detail of this book is outstanding, and the stories it describes are very interesting as well - these little islands have played a larger role in world affairs than the uninformed would ever expect.

If you are buying this in conjunction with the Antarctica book, please note that this book is much smaller - but given the relative size of each landmass, the difference makes sense.

We are planning a trip to the Falklands soon, and I have searched every available publication for information. Suffice to say, such information is in short supply. I was ecstatic when I found this book. If you are planning a trip to the Falklands and/or South Georgia, this is the only book you need. Its information is both varied and comprehensive. Of special interest to us was the section detailing every location to view each type of penguin found in the Falklands.

An interesting, if brief, guided tour of what has to be one of the most remote tourist destinations on the planet. The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)are a British Colony in the South Atlantic, a few hundred miles off the South American coast, that are also claimed by Argentina---in 1982 the two countries fought a war over the islands. Points of interest are noted, and an overview of the land, the people (population only 2500, with about 80% living in the capital city of Port Stanley), the history, and the wildlife is provided. Included are about 30 pages on South Georgia, a remarkably picturesque, but largely uninhabited island even further out in the Atlantic. My only complaint was the lack of photographs of the Falkland countryside. It would have been nice to get a feel for the terrain---m.p.

I'm a fan of the Lonely Planet (LP) series, both for armchair travel and for actual travel. This is one of the most obscure destinations covered by LP, and has the added distinction of being written by LP founder Tony Wheeler. However, it is a mystery to me why a successful entrepreneur would want to go back to the drudgery of collecting information for this book.

These 200 pages cover the Falklands in infinite detail. Every remote sheep farm that has a room for rent is described in detail, most of which are accessible only by non-scheduled plane. Keep in mind that the Falklands have only 3500 people, and only one place that could be described as a town or village, which means that this guide has a greater pages-per-capita ratio than any other LP guide (except perhaps Antarctica). There is a large emphasis on wildlife, with 17 pages describing varieties of birds. Also, 18 pages are dedicated to the even more remote South Georgia Island (pop. 10), accessible only by ship. As in all LP guides, there is background on the history and economy, excellent maps, and (in these more recent guides) many color photos.

An absolute classic. No praise can do justice. Suffice to say, if you're here, you'll buy this book. It's just sad that so few people have even heard of anything written by Alan Moorehead apart from the two books on the White and Blue Nile.

They say that history is written by the victor. While this may have been the case years ago, before the advent of electronic and paper printing, it is interesting to note that often small jewels of history can still be found hidden in the sands of time. This is such a book. You may have read the bestseller, "The Fatal Shore" by Robert Hughes. While this book is dedicated to Alan Moorehead's "The Fatal Impact", it is a rather overblown attempt to take off from where Moorehead left off. Moorehead, unlike Hughes, is succinct and straight to the point, describing in a paragraph what might take Hughes pages to deploy. But Moorehead goes further by re-writing history with some of the most beautiful and descriptive language ever displayed in word, especially his lyrical but simple descriptions of the Australian 'bush' before the advent of the white man.Unlike many historical essays, Mooreheads style is to grab and swallow us; it takes and immerses us in our own past, and it is frightening. This book is a true account of the effect of the white invasion of the South pacific. Though often sad, it is devoid of token sentimentality. It is books such as these that keep our history grounded and firmly established in truth, and not the often repeated propoganda that is a common style for Western academia to employ and justfiy our own convoluted history...

A magnificent short book which places the reader on the deck of Endeavor and the Resolution during Cook's first two voyages of discovery in the Pacific. An easy read, yet a scholarly study of the consequences of Western contact in Tahiti, Australia and the Antarctic. One of Moorhead's central themes in the book is the Noble Savage, "happy, healthy, beautiful people whose every want was supplied by the tropical forest, and who, best of all, knew nothing of the cramping sophostries of civilization." Cook brought back evidence that the noble savage indeed existed, and writers such as Boswell, Diederot and Rousseau used it to argue that life in Europe during the late 18th century had evolved into something less than desirable. It is ironic that, despite the high purpose of Cook's voyages of discovery and the pleas of those who recognized the validity and desirability of life in Tahiti or on the barren lands of Australia, the voyages touched off a frenzy by religious zealots and profiteers. A half century after Cook had opened Tahiti to the rest of the world, Gaugin sees shadows of something so beautiful that it still moves him to create his paintings; "The overwhelming physical beauty of the woman remains, but she does not dance. Instead, she lies inert and naked on her bed ... waiting for nothing, hoping for nothing, the petals of the tiare Tahiti scattered about her, a dark, conspiratorial couple in the background and all around them the mystical shapes and symbols of the Tropics. On this one canvas the painter has written in English the one word, "Nevermore."

This 1966 book coined a term that still is used to describe disastrous impacts of more powerful cultures on weaker ones. Moorehead describes the effects of initial European contacts with Tahiti, Australia, and the Antarctic, giving special attention to the voyages of Captain Cook. Early British contacts with the Tahitians are described in fascinating detail. Cook perceived that Western impact on Tahiti would have serious negative effects, writing that it would have been better for the Tahitians if the British had never visited the island. In his description of the initial British colonization of Australia, Moorehead focuses on the mistreatment of the aborigines, including the complete elimination of native Tasmanians from their homeland. Most of the section on the Antarctic is about Cook's determined attempts to reach the continent with his ships. Cook's descriptions of abundant sea life around Antarctica had the unintended effect of provoking whalers and sealers to decimate many species. Well written, this book is a chastening read.

this is the second title of one of the best series around. the other reviewers are absolutely right. and i, too, want to be phyrne.

greenwood writes wonderfully well. there is humor, suspense, excitement in all her books, and tricky plots. the only complaint i could ever possibly make is that there are no references to footy (australian rules football)--and phyrne lives in st. kilda. this is probably not going to be a drawback for most american readers!

this title harks back to many of the mysteries of the early 20th century, which is appropriate for the 1928 setting. there's great excitement in the descriptions of early flying--i wanted even more to go up in a bi-plane after reading this.

none of this series could be described as 'cozy,' since there is a clear-eyed view of reality under the mystery. neither is there violence for the sake of titillation. the motives are believable, the characters--good and bad--are well drawn, the dialogue is wonderful, the australian background fascinating.

this is a book and a series that any reader could enjoy.

I want to be Phryne when I grow up. She's smart, resourceful, talented and independent. She is wealthy, but remembers what it was like to be poor. She cares about people and can distinguish between the criminal and the misguided. This is a quick short, quick read that is well plotted, has wonderful supporting characters that kept me involved from the first page. Although this entry isn't quite as strong as others in the series, it is still a delight to read. I'm delighted Poisoned Pen Press is publishing this series for the U.S. audience.

i have been reading mysteries for decades. i have favorite authors whose books i reread with pleasure. but my absolute favorite for the last ten years is kerry greenwood and her phryne fisher series.

the novels are incredibly well-written and well researched, have wonderfully twisty plots, great dialogue, clothes, food and drink. phryne fisher is a complex and fascinating character with, thankfully, no angst or moral quandries. she has ethics and morals and acts on them fearlessly.

there is humor of all kinds as well as suspense. the twisty plots also pay homage to the plots of the golden age of mystery, the period between the wars when mystery writing became culturally acceptable.

even non-mystery lovers would enjoy the series for the fascinating facts from australian history. the only thing ms. greenwood doesn't include is footy, probably because our phyrne lives in st. kilda. it's not a noticeble lack.

I am just getting started on Phryne Fisher mysteries, and they are proving quite addictive. Much of the charm comes from the setting- Australia in the 1920's, but the plots are well thought out. The heroine is charming, witty and surrounded by a large cast of helpers. Try them, bet you can't read just one!

The story of Albert Facey's life is one of the most inspiring, poignant biographies I have ever read. He endured personal and physical trials that would have made others buckle under, but he always kept his sense of proportion--and humor.I feel fortunate that an Australian friend sent it to me to read and will recommend it to my friends.

I received the shipment on time, and the book was in the same condition as described.

I bought this book when it first was released. After reading it, I bought about 20 copies to give to friends for Christmas. It is a great book. Without giving away the true story, it is about the hard life of a man, told by himself as though you are sitting at his knee as a grandchild. This is a story of a 'ordinary man' who thought of himself as such; but he was really a hero of his generation, and actually LIVED history.

This is a wonderful book. Facey is a fantastic narrator who leaves you hungry to read more. He lives through both world wars, and he records his thoughts honestly.

It is a great book, as it shows the Australian struggle during the time period. Plus the events that Facey lives through are dramatic. This book does not have one boring page in it, as Facey had such an interesting life.

As a result of Facey's honesty, the book will make you laugh, cry and gasp at his experiences. It is a tale of endurance and triumph.

My lecturer recommended this to us as "the greatest souvenir you could take from Australia", and he is certainly right.

First published in 1969, this book brings you 38 original games. Sid Sackson collected these games as member of the N.Y.G.A (New York Game Associates), allthough many are his own invention.

It is true that any Hoyle will give you instant access to many games, but all these games somehow have something special.

My own favorite is Haggle, a delightfull party game for birthday parties.

Board and card games are so ancient and spread around the world that one may think nothing really new will come up. If that's your opinion, this book will change your mind, offering dozens of NEW games to play with pencil & paper, pocker chips or standard playing cards.

Sid Sackson was probably the most prolific collector of board games in the United States (and probably the world). Sid loved games and he loved inventing games, too. With many published games to his credit (some of which made their first public appearance in this book), Sid Sackson (the designer of one of my favorite games of all time, "Acquire") is my personal game guru and I have made a point of acquiring any game or book with his name attached. This book is full of fun and very playable games discovered, re-discovered, and invented by Sid Sackson. Do your brain a favor and buy this book now!

This is a brilliant book by Sid Sackson. It compiles the rules for a variety of games, with the common feature that all can be played with the materials that you already have at home. Some games use cards, others use a chess or checkers set. There are a lot of paper and pencil games which are great to play while travelling.

The games are a mixture of "forgotten" games, new games invented by friends of Sid, as well as lots of games invented by the author. Many of these games have subsequently been published in a boxed format by major companies, but this book gives you a chance to try them out at no cost.

There are simple games, solitaire games, serious strategy games, party games for 20 or more people, and everything in-between.

My favourites in the collection include a 2 player card game of pure skill ("Mate"), a card game that resembles Canasta but which is rather more fun ("Paks"), a scrabble-like pencil and paper game ("CrossWords"), and a game called Focus that is 2 or 4 player strategy game that weakly resembles a cross between checkers and Shogi.

If you love games, then you should have this book. If you don't, then buying this book just might change your mind!

a very accurate guide of one of the best architects nowadays. Ideal for professionals or anyone who's intersted in getting to now about contemporary architecture

I am presently studying architecture and find this book as a excellent resource book, I am also aware of my lecturers enthusiasm on this book. It has expanded my architectural vocab enormously this last 12 months. Congratulations to the author and also Mr Glenn Murcutt himself on a striking book, hope to read more of this material in the future

I recently saw Murcutt lecture and regretted that the wonderful (and fully annotated) construction drawings he was showing us were not published and available for a closer look.

Well, get out the magnifying glass, 'cause here they are! Unlike most architectural monographs, this one actually gives us some insight into how these designs were actualized...highly commendable.

Murcutt's work speaks for itself, but the format of this book would win with any architect...unless they don't want us looking too closely. Hmmm.

One warning: In the best of all possible worlds, we'd all have full size copies of Murcutt's documents at our local libraries. Here on Earth, however, we must settle for books like this one which reproduce the originals at half (or even quarter?) scale. So, that quip about the magnifying glass was not a joke.

While everyone in this world seems to be keen to build more and more complicated buildings, that are later called sustainable (...) you should have a look at one of the more unknown top-architects of the XX century. Glenn Murcutt began in the sixties to mix modern influences with the traditional Australian Architecture and has since then produced a new style, that is not only wonderful in design but also features a great low-tech aproach to sustainable architecture.

note: green can look really cool!