2007/08 Season

• Children's Book Council of Australia "Picture Book of the Year" Short Listed Book 2007

• Short Listed, NSW Premier's Literary Award 2007 (Patricia Wrightson Prize)
• Short Listed, WA Premier's Literary Award 2007 (Children's Book Category)
• CMIS “Book Not To Be Missed” 2007
• Magpies "Pick of 2006"

"Water Witcher"From the book of the same name by Jan Ormerod, Published by Little Hare Books

  Order the book - Click Here!!!

TESTIMONIALS FOR THE SHOW - CLICK HERE!!!

Adapted and Directed by Tony Appleby for Tony Bones Entertainment

Music by Tony Appleby, Luke Hunter & Tim Smith

 Cost $ 6.60 per student (incl. GST) Minimum show fee $ 660.00

Perfect for schools studying water conservation & the drought.

Primary (Prep - Grade 6) - Duration 40 minutes
Key Themes & Topics: Drought, Farm life, Family, Country Australia, Water Conservation.
Key Learning Areas: Drama, Dance, Music, SOSE.

Cost = $ 6.60 per student (incl. GST) Minimum show fee $ 660.

***CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOKING FORM***

This must see production is booking fast so be quick to secure a date for your school with "Water Witcher".

About the book: “Water Witcher brings to life the experience of a family in drought-stricken rural Australia during the Depression.

Dougie and his sisters can’t remember the last time it rained. The rainwater tanks are empty, and the creek is just a string of muddy pools where birds and animals come, seeking water.
Each day Dad and Dougie cart water from Last Stop Well, an hour down the track. They haul the water up bucket by bucket to fill the tank on the dray, then bump back over the ruts, making clouds of dust. The crops are brown and crisp in the sun.
One day, Dougie’s dad tells him about his grandfather’s gift for water divining, or witching. Dougie wishes he were a water witcher — then they would have a well of their own, always full of water. So Dougie teaches himself the art of water divining and, despite his sisters’ teasing and his mother’s scepticism, he discovers a night soak of fresh water.
Water Witcher brings to life the experience of a family in drought-stricken rural Australia during the Depression era. Seen through the eyes of Dougie, the optimism of childhood shines through, despite the tough work and harsh conditions. Jan Ormerod’s stunning, evocative illustrations make this a rich and resonating book."

"Dougie lives on a drought-stricken farm where ‘everything is thirsty – the horses, the milk cow, the chickens and goats…the joey and the baby cockatoo', a quintessential Australian rural landscape of heat and dust. Through the laconic power of the text and monochromatic illustration – brown and rust-coloured in the day, with cool respite in the blue moonlight – this family's story unfolds through their dreams of lush gardens, lake swims and bubble baths, and Dougie's determination to follow in his deceased grandfather's footsteps.

Grandpa was a water witcher: ‘one in a thousand', who could hold a forked stick and walk over the property until his stick quivered and pointed down to where water hid under the baked earth. Dougie spends his days emulating his grandfather, oblivious to the teasing of his sisters in his quiet stubbornness. Eventually his stick quivers and he begins to dig, ‘digs until the shadows turn around at midday …until the sun sets and he must stop'. He doesn't give up, not until late at night, when he sees a gush of clear water coming from deep down in the soil. Dougie too is ‘one in a thousand', a lone hero more for his single-minded resilience than for the final result."

http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/awards/LiteraryAwards/2007%20awards/2007shortlist.htm

"One family’s struggle to survive on the land during a drought is captured in this warm and evocative story. Set in the 1920s, it would be a wonderful resource to help students explore Australian history. It could also be used to examine resilience and human relationships with and reliance upon the land (Studies of Society and Environment, Levels 1 – 3).
The strong visuals are an integral part of this picture book. Solid blue sky lines and strong earthen tones capture the Australian landscape in its harsh and arid splendour. The farming family and the animals are rendered in similarly dry and dusty shades, highlighting the drought’s permeating effect on their daily lives. Dougie and his sisters can’t remember the last time it rained. The rainwater tanks are long dry and the creek, a string of muddy puddles. (The family’s only source of water is Last Stop Well, a good way down the track.) When Dougie’s Dad tells him of his grandfather’s ability with water witching, Dougie wishes he could do the same. His sisters and mother observe Dougie’s attempts at water divining with scepticism. With perseverance and the determined optimism of childhood, however, Dougie does indeed manage to find water. A lovely book which captures the character of the Australian outback."
Library Services' Resource Evaluation team, QLD

"As a child, Jan Ormerod was inspired by schoolgirl annuals from England and in Water Witcher, the influence is still there. Her illustrations have an old-world charm, complementing the period setting of the story —the Depression in rural Australia. Like her previous award-winning book Lizzie Nonsense, this story is seen through the eyes of a child, hopeful despite difficult circumstances. Dougie is the boy who carries the story, teaching himself the art of water witching (a gift his grandfather had that allowed him to find water) to relieve the family from their drought-stricken lives. There is both history and storytelling here, and within that, a lesson about rural life and the preciousness of water. It is the evocative illustrations that lend humour and depth, giving all the characters and the landscape a personality, and inviting participation from the reader or listener. Colour suggests the surroundings—yellows and beiges for the parched landscape, and then the cool relief of Dougie’s midnight-blue freckled face, reflecting the night soak of the fresh water he discovers. Kids will love the eager, panting farm dogs, the flighty chooks, curious cat, joey and cockatoo chick. Suitable for ages four to eight for home, school, or storytelling time at the library."

Isabelle Benton is editor and publications manager of the Gleebooks Gleaner

"Water Witcher brings to life the experience of a family in drought-stricken rural Australia during the Depression era. Seen through the eyes of Dougie, the optimism of childhood shines through, despite the tough work and harsh conditions."

"The drought is worsening. There is no water in the rainwater tanks and Dougie and his Dad have to draw water from the well each day. Dad reminisces about when his Father was alive and how he could find water using a forked stick. That night Dougie dreams about being a water witcher like his Grandfather so the next day he finds a forked stick and begins to walk around the property. Does he find water? This is a very topical book filled with beautiful illustrations that depict the dryness of

the outback and the desperation of the people who live there." www.swaplib.sa.gov.au

"This is a story of drought (all so relevant).  It is set in an earlier time, perhaps the first part of this century, and shows a family struggling to survive on their farm in the outback.  The opening page is stunning.  It shows the brilliant blue of the huge expansive sky contrasting sharply with the pale straw-coloured countryside.  It is so evocative of much of the countryside of southern Australian and Jan Ormerod has captured it perfectly.  The family has to cart water bucket by bucket with the horse and cart from the well which is an hour away.  When Dougie learns that his grandfather had the gift of finding water with a forked stick then he too is determined to find water on the farm.  Jan Ormerod has captured the harsh beauty of the Australian bush and also brings to life a farming family in tough times in the bush.   (6 – 9 years)"

"All the countryside is dry and brown because of the drought. Every day Dougie and his dad have to take the horse and dray to Last Stop Well to get enough water. It is hard work in the heat because they have to lift the water in buckets, but it is the only water they have. At night they dream about the things they could do if they had water.

One day dad tells Dougie about his grandfather who was able to find water using a forked stick, and Dougie decides to see if he can do it too. He walks around and around the farm with his stick until suddenly it points downwards. dougie digs and digis and digs, and his sister tease and tease and tease. But they are in for a surprise. Dougie turns out to be one in a thousand, like his grandfather.

This is a great book to help city kids like me understand more about what it is like to live in a drought. even though we have water restrictions, we can still turn on the tap to get a drink or have a shower. I think I will think more about what I waste now.

The pictures really help you to understand how dry and hot it must be because they are all done in browns and oranges and there is a cloudless blue sky on nearly every page.

I think everyone should read this book so it can make them think like I did."

Binny, 11, Caulfield, Vic

CMIS Evaluation

About the author & illustrator - web research:

• Jan Ormerod has illustrated more than 50 books, some of which she also wrote. Titles include SUNSHINE, MOONLIGHT, and 101 THINGS TO DO WITH A BABY, among others. A native of Western Australia, Ms. Ormerod now lives in Cambridgeshire, England.
• Jan Omerod, author-artist of Who's Whose?, Ben Goes Swimming, and Emily Dances, who also illustrated Sky Dancer by Jack Bushnell, lives in Cambridge, England.
• Jan Ormerod was trained in design and worked in art schools and colleges until her first child was born. It was at this time that Ormerod became interested in picture books and felt this would necessitate a move to either the eastern states of Australia or to London; the family subsequently moved to London.
• Jan Ormerod grew up and was educated in Western Australia. She now lives in England but is a frequent visitor to Australia. She is known in particular for her carefully observed picture books, which depict everyday family life and resonate with young children and adults alike. Her first published book, Sunshine, a textless picture book won the Mother Goose Award (UK), CBCA Australian Picture Book of the Year and was an American Library Association Notable Book. Since then Jan has continued to win awards and is widely published in many countries

• Jan Ormerod grew up in Western Australia, and as a child she was constantly drawing. After art school, she taught art at both tertiary and secondary levels, turning to children’s book illustration after becoming a mother. Jan’s first book, Sunshine was acclaimed and awarded around the world. She has since had over 50 books published, including Moonlight, Peek-a-Boo and Ms Macdonald Has a Class. Many of Jan’s books are a celebration of the fun, warmth and love of parenthood.
  Jan’s first book with Little Hare, Lizzie Nonsense, was shortlisted for the Children's Book Council of Australia's 2005 Book of the Year: Picture Book of the Year award.
• Jan Ormerod won the Mother Goose Award for her first book, Sunshine, which was also voted Australian Picture Book of the Year.
• Jan Ormerod grew up in Western Australia. Her first book, SUNSHINE, won the Mother Goose Award, was voted Book of the Year by the Children's Book Council of Australia and was highly commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Since then she has had more than 50 books published and won many awards, including Oppenheim Platinum and Gold Awards, ALA Notable Book, Pennsylvania's Children's Choice Award and Parent's Choice Award. Her picture book LIZZIE NONSENSE is an Australian IBBY Honour book and has been chosen as Outstanding International Book 2006 by USBBY and the Children's Book Council, USA. Jan also writes picture book texts for other illustrators and her book with Lindsay Gardner,the bestselling DOING THE ANIMAL BOP, was shortlisted for the Booktrust Early Years Award last year. Jan Ormerod now lives in Uppingham, England, but she frequently visits New York, where her daughter is working.

• Jan Ormerod was born in Australia and as a child divided her time between standing on her head, reading and drawing. She trained as a designer, and worked as a teacher in schools, teacher’s colleges and art schools until the birth of her first daughter, when she began to write and illustrate children’s books. Her first picture book, Sunshine (1981), won the Mother Goose Award and the Australian Picture Book of the Year, and was also listed as an American Library Association Notable Book in the USA. It was republished by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books in 2004. Since then she has illustrated over 60 picture books, won many honours and awards, and is published in 21 countries. Jan has divided her adult life between England and Australia. She has two grown up daughters, one in New York, one in London.
• Jan Ormerod is an award winning author and illustrator of over seventy picture books, published in twenty countries.

Other titles by Jan Ormerod include:
Mama's Day

Lizzie Nonsense

Doing the Animal Bop

Peek-a-boo!
Rockababy
Ms McDonald Has a Class
Moonlight
The Story of Chicken Licken
Sunshine
When an Elephant Comes to School
If You're Happy and You Know it
The Frog Princess
Emily and Albert

In her own words:

As a child

"I grew up in the fifties, in a series of small towns in Western Australia, with three older sisters. As a child I drew constantly and compulsively, inspired by beautifully drawn schoolgirl annuals from England. I secretly devoured forbidden American comics, poring over the draughtsmanship."

As an adult

"I went to art school and all of my options took me into the fine arts - drawing, painting and sculpture; I was obsessed by the human face, figure and gesture. I became an Associate of the Western Australian Institute of Technology in Design and Art Education and taught in secondary schools on enrichment programmes for talented students, then lectured in a teachers' college and art schools. As a young woman I had not planned to have children, but that changed! My books have largely been a celebration and savouring of the positive experiences of parenthood that I had not anticipated - the fun, warmth and love. I now live in Cambridge, England, and have two daughters, Sophie and Laura. We return to Australia to be with family and friends as often as we can....I went to art school at a time when the practice of drawing was regarded as the underpinning of all activity in the visual arts'coming to know' by looking closely and recording honestly. All my options took me into the fine arts--drawing, painting, and sculpture. I was obsessed with the human face, figure, and gesture. I became an Associate of the Western Australian Institute of Technology and Design in Art Education and taught art in secondary schools on enrichment programs for talented students, then lectured in a teachers college and in art schools... As a young woman I was not very maternal, and intended not to have children. My first pregnancy was entirely unplanned. My books have largely been a celebration and savoring of the positive experience of parenthood I had not anticipated-the fun, warmth, and love. Designing picture books for young children, I am aware that such books are almost always shared by the child and a caring adult. I find the challenge of communicating with both child and adult-working on two levels in one book--a demanding, intriguing and rewarding task. I design picture books for children and adults because I depend on the adult to create the right atmosphere and help children read them. When this happens, it is a time for physical closeness and comfort, a quiet time for sharing ideas and feelings, for laughing and learning together. Anyone who takes time to share books with young children is rewarded and revitalized by the experience every time. "

As an artist

"My task as a visual storyteller is to observe, record and edit. Some images go straight from life into a book. Most need to be carefully sifted, reinvented, reorganised. Telling a story with words and pictures is a little like watching a movie, then selecting the evocative moment, like a still taken from a film. I need to capture the moment that has clarity and simplicity, invites empathy, and allows the reader to bring her own knowledge to that moment, to enrich it and develop it according to her own life experiences."

TESTIMONIALS FOR "WATER WITCHER"

From the author Jan Omerod

" Dear Tony

How rude of me not to thank you for the DVD of your delightful performance of Water Witcher. I enjoyed it a lot, thought you expanded it cleverly and thoughfully, and I LOVE your long legged silly walks! Well done, and thanks again.

Very best, Jan"

Flemington Primary School, VIC

“Performance was fantastic! Children were engaged throughout the show...Both my class and I loved the performance. I liked how you pointed out to the students that it is okay for a boy to act the part of a girl and vice-versa. Great story, acting and songs to match. 10/10 for a great performance.”

Westmeadows Primary School, VIC

“Kids loved the show. Getting them moving kept them all interested in story...Great show – lots of interest for the children. Terrific incorporation of the storyline and music...Fast moving, enjoyable show. The story chosen was appropriate to Australia’s present water situation.”

The Scotts School, Bathurst, NSW

“The concert was great. The students were completely engaged from Kinder to Year 4. The actors did bring the book alive and it was clever how musical songs were written into the story. Great use of the book in the drama to draw on the students’ previous learning.”

St Francis Xavier, Frankston, VIC

“Very well put together – funny and entertaining.”

St Marcartan’s Primary School, VIC

“The children were fully engaged in what was happening. It was a delight to watch the various expressions on the children’s faces. The performers did an excellent job, always talking to the audience as well as including them during performance. Clear articulation and good costumes...Excellent show. Meaning behind the story clearly conveyed. Props, costumes good. Children engaged well with storyline – post-play discussion was worthwhile. Children loved the music and comedy...The children thoroughly enjoyed the show. The music was superb and the choreography spot on. Children were entertained and learnt some important things about saving water as well. Well done and thank you...Fantastic! Great level of energy. Nice and colourful and the students were engaged for the whole time. Great discussion about drought at the end...I loved it. It was great seeing the story come ‘alive’. I loved the harmonies (great voices) and the dances. You certainly pour your hearts and souls into it. Also loved the humour. The kids? They loved it too!”

Donvale Primary School, VIC

“Loved the musical aspect. Added depth and loved the volume – loud, to keep the kids interested. Costumes were great. Was great how you involved crowd and came into audience, kept them alert. Creative, funny and fantastic performance. A great way to explore such a fabulous story. Good re-cap on the book at question time...Was a great performance. Very engaging. The kids seemed happy. Getting them involved was good...Kids loved the suspense at the beginning. Children were very engaged throughout the entire performance. Songs are great! Choreography great too! Costumes were great and simple. Dream sequence was fabulous! Dougie was excellent. Digging sketch great! Involvement of kids with actions was AWESOME! Very nice ending...Great intro – got attention, fun, children loved it. Songs were great. Audience participation was good – children loved that (me too!). LOVED that chook costume!! Great fun and energy. Loved the adaptation. Great choice of book – topical issue as well as one that affects us all. I love the family aspect too – how families help each other. I really liked the re-cap of the book at the end – beginning, middle and end (what we concentrate on in class) Great rapport with the audience. Question time was really well done too. Thanks a lot – we had a great time.”

Mt Pleasant Primary School, Ballarat, VIC

“Fantastic. Awesome. Entertaining. Totally engaging. Thought provoking...Children loved it (so did teachers!). Very funny. Stimulated much discussion comparing book to performance...Wonderful show. Engagement of the children was excellent, especially pre-show. Promoted excellent discussion about issues...Tony’s shows are always fantastic. The reach across the ages so that everyone enjoys themselves...Each year the performance is dynamic, all-engrossing and the children leave wanting more and feeling great about things!”

St Catherine’s College, Toorak, VIC

“This was a fantastic production – perfect for the age group! I really liked the way reference was made regularly to the book, and the simple ways in which the book was acted out/portrayed. Discussion at the end of the show was fantastic – the best I have seen! It maintained the focus on the book, highlighting the main features. The Year 2 students loved this production, and I thought it was a very worthwhile presentation. Thank you so much...I loved it! It was very relevant, funny, informative and age-appropriate. Excellent, A+”

Glen Katherine Primary School, Eltham, VIC

"Great way to bring the book alive. A lesson in history, literacy and drama. So practical...Great! Discussion afterwards was valuable – just planned my literacy and art lesson for Wednesday...Fantastic book and relevant. Discussion afterward was wonderful too!...Fantastic show – very educational and enjoyable.”

Abbotsford Primary School, VIC

“Fantastic performance as usual. Kids loved it. Great songs – children engaged the whole time. Talking about it the next day. Most suitable for all ages. Very professional. Good extension i.e. comments re: water saving etc. Holistic performance. Topical. A complete package – dance, music, action etc.”

Frankston Library, VIC

“This show was just fantastic! Very interactive and the music/songs were great – thank you very much...Another excellent performance...Water Witcher - a very worthwhile and educational event.”

Thomastown Primary School, VIC

“A worthwhile performance. The children really enjoyed it and learnt important issues to do with drought! A fantastic performance enjoyed by all...Great performance – students really enjoyed it. Follow-up activities were great!!...Very well performed! Definitely a worthwhile activity!...A great performance – children really enjoyed it and were very eager to talk about it after – we talked about how we could act stories out...Fantastic presentation Tony and Girls. Positive feedback from all concerned. The students in particular loved it. Keep up the great work.”

Corpus Christi Primary School, Cranebrook, NSW

"Both the children and the staff all seemed to enjoy the show. The entertainers were very professional and obviously enjoy what they’re doing...Thanks. The children really enjoyed the show...The show was very entertaining and the children love the songs and actions...Very entertaining. Full of energy. Suited the children. It brought the book to life – thank you...Fantastic. All children enjoyed the show. Enjoyed being able to dance and move around.”

Caulfield Grammar School, Wheelers Hill Campus, VIC

“Appreciated the variety of the performance (story, drama, dance and song). Costumes were well done and explanations at the beginning and end. Also good to have questions at the end. The students were totally absorbed in the performance – very creative. Many thanks. Come again!...The performance was outstanding. The children were so engaged and gauged very well for a young audience. It was really good that the children were involved also. Thank you! Looking forward to your next performance...Absolutely fantastic! The children and I were thoroughly entertained!! We all loved it – so appropriate for young children – lots of movement, variety and songs. Well done, and thanks!...Fabulous. Very engaging and thoroughly well-organised! Would love them to come back...Absolutely outstanding! The standard of performance (acting and singing) was superb and at times very moving. This was a wonderful medium to experience books, drama and music in a live performance. Exactly what we wanted. Thank you!...This is the first time I’ve seen such a production and it was fabulous. Recently, I’ve been taking more interest in children’s books and the possibilities of making them ‘singable’ so this was exactly what I needed! All students were engaged for the entire duration and I could see that they thoroughly enjoyed it too.”

Amsleigh Park Primary School

“Fantastic! Thoroughly enjoyable for both teachers and children. Gave valuable insight to plight of farmers dealing with the drought. Linked beautifully with the Prep classes and German as we are studying ‘The Farm and the needs of Living Things’. The junior grades were engaged and follow-up discussions and activities in class revealed they had absorbed lots and enjoyed the performance. All actors looked like they enjoyed the experience too. Thanks for an enjoyable and valuable performance.”

Overnewton College, Keilor Campus, VIC

“You made the book come alive in a most entertaining manner – it was wonderful! I liked the simplicity of the set and props; it has inspired me to try something similar with children. The question and answer session at the end was not only informative, but extremely well stage-managed. THANK YOU for a truly memorable experience!”

Naranga School, Frankston, VIC

“The performance had something for everyone. Students were captivated with the story and enjoyed participating. Students were informed and entertained. Story was brought to life through catchy songs and costume. Teachers were pleased with the performance and we are happy to have you back next year.” 

Woodleigh School, Junior Campus, Frankston, VIC

“The teachers were very impressed by the groups’ performance. They were pleased with the content and thought that the show was very professional. Really liked the Q and A time at the end.”

Nulkaba Public School, NSW

“Fantastic clear presentation of concepts. Loved the presentation of how drama/casting/sets created. Loved the reinforcing of ideas...Brought back lots of childhood memories – of life in a farming district – and water diviners...Outstanding responses from class (drawings etc.) - result of fantastic show...Excellent performance – kept all children absolutely mesmerized. Great incidental learning throughout. Followed literacy terms and structures that children use...Absolutely brilliant! Excellent acting, singing and dancing. Relevant message...Excellent! Children were enthralled the whole time. Very suited to this age group...Amazing! The kids were enthralled and the links to English syllabus were superb – fantastic!...Very entertaining. Children enjoyed it...Very professional presentation. Fantastic...Excellent. Kids got a lot out of it!”

Kew Primary School, Victoria

“We read ‘Water Witcher’ again today - the day after the show, and saw it so differently to the first time we read it.  A huge discussion around the sisters and how they were funny - yet what they were doing wasn't funny at all - it was teasing/bullying Dougie (cheap humour).  Kids absolutely loved the show… They thought the costumes were realistic and they really felt a sense of dryness on the farm.”

Albert Park Library, Victoria

"Very professional! Kept kids' interest throughout show. Many favourable comments!"

Ringwood Heights Primary School, Victoria

"Thanks for last week's performances. Our staff and students loved them. Our older kids have seen your shows now since their Prep years and have learnt so much about the nature of performance as a means of story telling. The question time for all groups is really valuable.   Could you please book us a time for 2008."

Comments from schools in the Wallsend area, NSW

“What an absolutely fabulous show! Congratulations on producing such a professional piece of theatre. Staff and students alike were involved, laughing and mesmerized!”