Early Australian aviation in all its glory is
portrayed in Amazing Australians in Their
Flying Machines. Showcased are the achievements of ten Australians
beginning with William Bland, in1851. Featured are Lawrence Hargrave, George
Taylor, Richard Williams, Ross Macpherson Smith, Bert Hinkler, Norman Brearley,
John Flynn, Nancy Bird and Charles Kingsford Smith, 1935.
A portrait of each aviator is introduced, with
their story told from a first person point of view. Their aircraft is pictured
below. The opposite page reveals a short historical account of the aviator’s
life and death. There are many personal details included and I loved the
caricatures that are added. These lightened the mood of the book.
From the second entry with Lawrence Hargrave, ‘3
Amazing Facts about’ that particular aviator are boxed. ‘Did You Know?’ informs
within a strip of more facts on personal achievements and traits, points on
aircraft, flying and historical happenings.
At the end is a section on Australian Aviation
Today, followed by the Authors’ Note where Prue and Kerry Mason share what
inspired them to write the book.
This is not a dull, history book. It has humour,
well-considered layouts, original photos and stacks of history that includes
the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service, for young readers to learn and enjoy. The extensive bibliography for further reference
is accompanied by an alphabetized Index. This publication is an invaluable
addition to any bookcase, especially so for school libraries.
The fantastic internal illustrations compete with
the ones on the sky blue cover, which depicts all the aviators standing on the
wings of a Vimy biplane, watching the clouds go by. They appear to be enjoying
themselves immensely!
Title:
Amazing Australians in their Flying Machines
Author:
Prue & Kerry Mason
Illustrator:
Tom Jellett
Publisher:
Walker Books, $24.99
Publication
Date: April 2017
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781922244635
For
ages: 9+
Type: Non Fiction