Part of the Australian Children’s Classics range republished by HarperCollins this April, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle (first released in 1993) is yet another delightful romp through some wonderful Aussie literature – in this case via our poetic master – AB (Banjo) Patterson.
When Mulga Bill shuns his old horse in favour of a fandangled, shiny new penny farthing, the braggart in our charming friend comes out. Can he ride his new contraption? Why of course – he is a cycling ace! Can a wild duck swim, can a wild cat fight? Just watch the magnificent Mulga Bill show ‘em how it’s done.
Yet when he mounts his spindly charge, you can only imagine the chaos that ensues. Let’s just say some wallaroos and wombats have some pretty close shaves.
Gorgeously rendered with the most charming Niland-sister illustrations, this is an hilarious book kids will roll along happily with, all the while enjoying a solid dose of divine Australian poetry that will cram their hearts and minds with true Australian spirit. Just perfect.
Title: Mulga Bill’s Bicycle
Author: A B Paterson (Banjo to you!)
Illustrator: Kilmeny and Deborah Niland
Publisher: HarperCollins, $14.99
Publication Date: April 2011
ISBN: 9780207172847
Format: Soft cover
For ages: 4 - 10
Type: Picture Book
