Book Review: The Gumnut Babies by May Gibbs

Book Review: The Gumnut Babies by May Gibbs

Title: The Gumnut Babies –  Centenary Editionthe gumnut babies small

Author: May Gibbs

Published: August 22 2016 (Originally 1916)

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Australia

Pages: 272

Genres:  Fiction, Children

RRP: $39.99

Beautiful new Centenary edition to celebrate the publication of May Gibbs’s first book, GUMNUT BABIES, in 1916.

May Gibbs’s marvellous creation – the Gumnut world, with its tiny heroes and heroines and deliciously villainous villains – has fascinated generations of children since its first publication in 1916. Gumnuts at the races, at the ballet, and dancing at balls are some of May’s exquisitely illustrated scenes that have delighted us all.

This beautiful new edition has been produced to mark the Centenary of GUMNUT BABIES and contains the stories of Gum-Blossom Babies, Flannel Flowers and Other Bush Babies, Boronia Babies, Wattle Babies, plus Nuttybub and Nittersing and Chucklebud and Wunkydoo.

The perfect companion for THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES OF SNUGGLEPOT AND CUDDLEPIE.

My review:

The Gumnut Babies, a true blue Australian classic treasury, written and illustrated by May Gibbs, has reached an iconic landmark. In 2016, it was reformatted and released as a centenary edition, to celebrate one hundred years since the first publication of Gibbs’ work in Australia. It is a treasured story book that easily goes hand in hand with Gibbs’ well known tale, The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

Throughout this week, at Mrs B’s Book Reviews I am showcasing the work of May Gibbs by a series of book reviews of her classic works, plus some new titles that have been inspired by this great lady of children’s fiction. The Gumnut Babies is another book by Gibbs I recall fondly enjoying as a young girl. May Gibbs is a writer and illustrator who is perfectly able to carry the reader from the comfort of their home, to the heart of the bush. For a young girl growing up in a small beachside suburb, Gibbs’ books were able to carry me away from my home to another world, a world that some of us are disconnected from or have had little exposure to, the Australian bush. Gibbs makes the reader feel like they are at one with the stunning Australian landscape and books such as The Gumnut Babies work to provide the audience with a greater appreciation for our picturesque landscape.

In this gorgeous edition of The Gumnut Babies, the reader is presented with a striking illustrated guide to the various Gumnut Babies, Gum-Blossom Babies, Flannel Flowers, Boronia Babies and Wattle Babies that populate the fantasy world created by May Gibbs. Each different bush baby is inspired by Australia’s unique flora. Every bush baby Gibbs created is profiled by the author and has a stunning accompanying illustration, along with poem outlining key features of the bush baby to match.

Complimenting this lovely guide to the Gumnut Babies are two memorable stories. The first is Nuttybob and Nittersing. The second is Chucklebud and Wunkydoo. In the first of these stories, Nuttybob and Nittersing, one of the babies, Nittersing is taken by the notorious Bad Banksia Men. It is up to the remaining gumnut baby, Nuttybob, to rescue Nittersing from the Bad Banksia Men, with the help of some bush friends, such as a little blossom Narnywos and Widgie. Together, these bush creatures go on an incredible journey to defeat the Bad Banksia Men and Mrs Snake.  When Nittersing is rescued, order is eventually restored to the bush folk, after a long and winding experience.

The second of the additional stories added to The Gumnut Babies collection is centered on the tale of Chucklebud and Wonkydoo. In this particular amiable tale from Gibbs, another set of gumnut brothers, a curious duo, set off in search of a knowledgeable kookaburra, in the hope that he can answer some questions they have for him. The path to see the wise kookaburra is not a smooth one. The brothers must escape the clutches of the feared Bad Banksia Men who try to kidnap them. The brothers escape and their trek into the bush leads them to the path of Mr Lizard. Together, their experience is a wondrous occasion and one these dainty gumnut babies will not forget – along with the reader!

Closing off The Gumnut Babies is an informative condensed biography of May Gibbs included at the back of the book. I found this summary of the key points in May Gibbs’ life to be the ideal way to conclude my reading of this adored book. This section is also included in the 2007 edition of The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

It was a delightful experience to return to a much loved childhood classic, by reading The Gumnut Babies by May Gibbs. The rare talent of May Gibbs is undeniable and it becomes so very clear once you select one of her treasured books to share with a child, or read for enjoyment as an adult. Gibbs has a knack for involving her audience in a kind of bush reverie through her stories, which are also a heartfelt testament to the beauty of Australia’s flora and fauna. The Gumnut Babies is an essential addition to bookshelves. I hope this cherished story collection continues to be discovered and rediscovered by all readers.

To learn more about the author of The Gumnut Babies, May Gibbs and to purchase the book visit here.

*I wish to thank the May Gibbs brand for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

 

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