Title: Tales From The Gum Tree
Author: May Gibbs and Jane Massam
Illustrator: May Gibbs and Caroline Keys
Published: January 1st 2016
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Pages: 24
Genres: Fiction, Children
RRP: $14.99
Oh my! cried Snugglepot. I’m flying, I’m really flying! He couldn’t believe he was up in the big blue sky, and it was simply glorious.
Join the delightful Snugglepot and Cuddlepie in their enchanting adventures through the Australian bush. With amazing butterfly rides, boating escapades and a surprise moonlight pageant, prepare to fall in love with May Gibbs’ classic characters.
My review:
It is hard to imagine Australian classic children’s literature without the iconic bush figures, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. In 2016, May Gibbs’ charming bush creatures received a revival in the form of three new short stories which were published together in a stunning collection titled, Tales From The Gum Tree.
In a collaboration between writer Jane Massam and illustrator Caroline Keys’, Tales From The Gum Tree is loyal to the original artwork and unique character of our national beloved bush babies. The release of this new Tales From series is the perfect way to introduce the adored bush creatures and their pals to a brand new audience. Tales From The Gum Tree brings us three highly enjoyable adventures. The first is titled, The Dragonfly Races and takes the reader to an exciting scene, as our favourite bush babies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, embark upon a high flying adventure aboard a beautiful butterfly. Joining the duo on their memorable trip are old favourites, such as Mr Lizard and the Boronia Babies. The illustrations in this first story are absolutely exquisite and will be sure to delight young readers from the ages of three to eight. This is a truly magical story that captivated my children and I from beginning to end. It also helped me see that although Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are over one hundred years old, their appeal is timeless.
In the second short story from Tales From The Gumtree, Snugglepot to the Rescue, sees our favourite brothers in a spot of bother in the water. When Snugglepot and Cuddlepie enthusiastically embark upon their first seed pod canoe lesson with the helpful Wattle Babies, disaster strikes. When Cuddlepie falls unexpectedly into the creek, it is not the lifeguards that save him but his brave brother. When Cuddlepie is plucked safely from the creek, the bush babies, along with their friends, share a cosy campfire together. Snugglepot to the Rescue is a memorable tale that gently highlights the traits of friendship, love, helpfulness, loyalty, bravery and belonging. It is the ideal short story to share at bedtime with a young child.
The third and final short story that completes this appealing collection is titled, The Moonlight Pageant. This tale sees Snugglepot and Cuddlepie eagerly anticipating an important bush celebration, Mrs Kookaburra’s birthday. The duo decide they must buy a special present for their dear friend and set out on a journey to the big city on their cricket taxis. The journey to the big city is an arduous one and the bush brothers decide to rest for the night. The next day, with the help of a bevy of bush mates, preparations for a special moonlight pageant are in full spring. It is a huge success and the surprise guest of honour couldn’t be more delighted in the thoughtful event. This last story in the Tales From collection enchants the audience and confirms why May Gibbs’ characters are so loved.
This is my third and final review for the May Gibbs showcase which I have conducted this past week in honour of the centenary celebrations of the work of this incredibly gifted author and illustrator. I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to revisit these charming stories. Most of all, I have loved the chance to introduce classic Australian folklore to my own young children. For interest purposes, there are also three more titles in the Tales From series, which are all inspired by the original work of May Gibbs, in a fresh format. Discover more about these tales here.
To learn more about the author of Tales From The Gum Tree, May Gibbs and to purchase the books visit here.
*I wish to thank the May Gibbs brand for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
