Australians all let us rejoice – for here is a beautiful book trilling the first two verses of our national anthem, perfectly accompanied by a gallery of Australian artwork, from Frederick McCubbin to Arthur Boyd.
No one needs a single excuse to enjoy ogling such an impressive range of art, but I must admit, there’s a lot of charm in singing along to Advance Australia Fair whilst enjoying the visual splendour, with each line from the anthem accompanied by a blissful, true Australian painting.
On the final page of the book, we’re also treated to a little history surrounding our patriotic song – did you know, for example, that Advance Australia Fair was sung by a 10,000-strong choir at the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901?
It wasn’t until 1984 – in stiff competition with Waltzing Matilda and Song of Australia – that it was officially adopted as Australia
And now, with the reissue of this lovely book (first published in 1994 and now part of the Australian Children’s Classics range published by HarperCollins) . . . Peter Dodds McCormick would be proud.
Title: Advance Australia
Author: Peter Dodds McCormick
Illustrator: Various
Publisher: HarperCollins, $14.99
Publication Date: April 2011
ISBN: 9780207185991
Format: Soft cover
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture Book
Buy this book online right now at The Nile!
