Review - Banjo Paterson : Man From Snowy River / Waltzing Matilda

Iconic Australian poetry classics in the hands of babies? As they say it’s never too young to start. Two of Banjo Paterson’s famous poems are available as beautiful board books, edited by Kathryn England and illustrated by the talented Cate James.

Banjo Paterson - The Man From Snowy River begins with that most memorable line we all can recite, ‘There was movement at the station for the word had got around that the colt from old Regret had got away’ and off we go.

With the 13 stanza poem reduced down to the key moments in the story, this eye-catching presentation manages to combine Australian poetry with colours and numbers to engage the young reader.

As Kathryn’s words simply retell the poem, Cate has filled the pages with corresponding colours and numbers that pay tribute to our native Australian plants and animals. Each page has a dedicated colour,  numbers, both numeral and word, alongside Australian plants or animals. For instance, as the horsemen pass the clump of mimosa, the page is orange with corresponding text and illustrations and the inclusion of 4 (FOUR) orange banksia.

Young readers can interact with the book finding and counting fauna and flora, whilst the rhythm of words wash over them. The older reader can revive memories and perhaps be inspired to revisit the original and longer form of the poem.

Banjo Paterson - Waltzing Matilda repeats this engaging formula with Kathryn’s cleverly edited version and Cate’s bold and perfectly matched illustrations, enticing engagement for the little ones. 

Those reading to the younger child will find it difficult not to launch into song and include the well known chorus we hear so often at events.

Again the child can identify colours, numbers and numerals, as well as becoming familiar with animals, plants and landscapes found in the bush and poem. 

Keeping true to the text means the child will soon learn some original bush terms such as swagman, jumbuck and troopers and enable them to truly enjoy such classic poetry. 

These books will no doubt be fabulous inclusions on shelves in bedrooms and what a wonderful way to begin a child’s love of poetry by exposing them to such classics. Parents will enjoy reading these to their children and the little ones will enjoy learning about Australia and one of its favourite poets through colour, numbers and his iconic poetry.

Title: Banjo Paterson Australian Classics for Little Ones : The Man From Snowy River and Waltzing Matilda.
Author: AB Paterson Edited by Kathryn England
Illustrator: Cate James
Publisher: Penguin, $14.99
Publication Date: 8 April 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761355110; 9781761355103
For ages: 0 - 5
Type: Board Book