Review: Tiki and Jill and the Great Australian Camel Race

Some picture books are so much more than a simple story. Tiki and Jill and the Great Australian Camel Race is one of those books.

On one level, this is a recount of the real-life Great Australian Camel Race. Held from April to July 1988, this race saw camel riders race from Uluru in the Northern Territory to the Gold Coast in Queensland – a distance of over 3,000 km.

On another level, this is a story of tenacity, determination and a friendship between human and animal – ‘never-ridden-a-camel-before’ horse-rider Jill and ‘I’m-still-a-wild-desert-camel-at-heart’ camel Tiki.

Whichever way you enter the story, you’ll be invited into the world of camel racing to walk (run or bump) alongside Jill and Tiki as they navigate the Australian terrain and their mutual stubbornness as they strive for ultimate success.

Together, author Kate Simpson and Dr Jill Colwell (the ‘Jill’ from the book) have managed to tell a story that spans three months in a picture-book format (i.e., not many words) without feeling rushed or as if events have been glossed over or left out.

We feel Jill’s determination to complete this race (and her occasional fear when Tiki just won’t cooperate). We also experience – and perhaps resonate with – Tiki’s wilful nature as he struggles to conform when he really just wants to run free.

The turning point for them both really hits home when they finally connect and start working as a team.
With minimal words, a picture book like Tiki and Jill and the Great Australian Camel Race relies heavily on illustrations – and Craig Smith has done an amazing job. Not only does he capture the changing colours of the Australian landscape, but his illustrations also convey the excitement of the race, along with the emotion and the growing bond between Tiki and Jill. You could lose yourself for hours in these beautiful artworks that tell more than just this story.

Then, if you still want more, there’s a note at the end from Dr Jill Colwell with more information about her experiences. Plus, for readers interested in camels, there’s a page about the history of the camel in Australia. Finally (or at first, if you’re like me), the endpapers contain a wealth of detail with photographs of the event and newspaper clippings.

Something for everyone!

Real-life stories of everyday adventurers told against the backdrop of the Australian landscape are a clear winner in my book. For teachers, too, there is much to explore here – whether you want to look at history, geography, animal welfare, biology or identity and friendship.

Highly recommended on many levels.

Title: Tiki and Jill and the Great Australian Camel Race
Author: Kate Simpson and Dr Jill Colwell
Illustrator: Craig Smith
Publisher: Allen & Unwin $24.99
Publication Date: 30 June 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761182334
For ages: 5 – 9
Type: Narrative Non-Fiction Picture Book