That story was The Great Expedition.
And she not only loved it, she requested it again and again.
This is the tale of Robert and Will, who put together a team of experts to make their journey across unchartered lands.
Losing team member after team member to the perils surrounding them, running out of water and losing their way, their mission is in danger of being ultimately unsuccessful.
Carnavas hasn't created the same wonderful work we already love - he's taken another leap to make something extra, extra special. The Great Expedition is his best book yet.
Basing the story upon the famous expedition of Burke and Wills, the journey of these children from Robert's backyard to deliver a parcel to his grandmother is so beautifully told.
The language is strong, short and sharp, creating much suspense and drama as the illustrations show a different, more realistic story. ("Sadly, Lily didn't make it" is an example, as the illustrations show a young girl being dragged away by the dog.)
Young children will love this book for the drama and beautiful illustrations (and Carnavas's ability to make a historic event part of their life), while older kids will be intrigued by the story's historic basis and find the narration funny yet poignant.
And the aforementioned young girl? Well, after reading she heads outside for her own adventures with the dog dragging her around, across bridges, through tunnels and on important missions.
The Great Expedition is a must for every child's book collection.
Read our recent interview with author/illustrator, Peter Carnavas
Title: The Great Expedition
Author/Illustrator: Peter Carnavas
Publisher: New Frontier, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: May 2011
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781921042812
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book
