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Awards Children's Book Council of Australia "2009 Younger Reader's Book of the Year" short listed bookWhite Raven International Award 2009, International Youth Library Munich. The award is given to books that deserve worldwide attention because of their universal themes and/or their exceptional, innovative artistic and literary style and design. WAYRBA (Western Australian Young Readers Book Award) Younger Readers 2009 short listed book Reviews for the book "Audrey of the Outback"
The story is so evocative of a bygone era. Jellies are set in the well, perhaps forever suspending an inquisitive frog, and long-drop dunnies are accidentally blown up with kerosene and matches. Audrey’s family lives in outback Australia, and her world is a fascinating mix of invisible camels and tooth-pulling swaggies. Each character’s voice is individual, from little Dougie to Mr Akbar, the camel-driving postman. There’s a glossary at the back, to help kids understand some of the special vocabulary, and Ann James’ gorgeous line drawings support the text.
CMIS Evaluation: http://amlib.eddept.wa.edu.au/webquery.dll?v1=pbMarc&v20=14&v27=125308&v30=20D&v40=4459&v46=4461 Readings Bookshop: http://www.readings.com.au/review/audrey-of-the-outback-christine-harris Review by Kathy Kozlowski, Readings Carlton The opening scene sets the tone for this satisfying story set in the outback in the 1920s. Audrey pulls back the hessian curtains, glad her parents can’t afford glass, and leans out to whisper to Stumpy, ‘we’re going to find out the swagman’s secret’. Audrey is a feisty young heroine, the middle child in a struggling family living an isolated bush life. Audrey decides to try being, in turn, a swaggie (for the freedom), a man (because they claim to know everything and can use words girls can’t) and a teacher as all she will have to do is tell people what to do. Her adventures, including being around when her brother accidentally blows up the dunny, are very entertaining, but it is also a touching story about facing hardships and growing up in one’s own time. For 7-10 year olds to read to themselves or a good read aloud. Student reviews for the book "Audrey of the Outback"
"I am CRAZY... oh, wait, it's more like this...I am a... CRAZY! Fan of your books! I just LOVE your Audrey books! Emily"
"I loved Audrey of the Outback. It was fabulous, I couldn't put my book down. I think it's the best book I have ever read.
"Dear Christine Harris, I am ten years old and I am writing this letter to find out if there is another book after Audrey goes to Town. I love Audrey of the Outback and Audrey goes to Town. Before I started reading these books I hated reading, then Mum got Audrey of the Outback and I loved it. Then I got Audrey goes to Town and now I love reading! So if you haven't made a third a lot of fans like my friends and I and a lot of other people are desperate for a new one! Thankyou for writing these fantastic books! From Lucy p.s. your books are the best books I have ever read in the world!!!!"
"I love your books, they are really interesting.I live on a farm just like Audrey, but we aren't in the Outback.Love from Meg." Christine Harris has written 50 books, in all genres, for young readers. She is published in Australia, New Zealand, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Canada, USA, Thailand, Japan and Brazil. Her books have won, or been shortlisted for, various awards (Children’s Book Council Book of the Year, Aurealis award for speculative fiction, White Raven Award, various children’s choice, the 2006 Carclew Fellowship and Psychologists for Peace Literature Awards. Full list of awards at : http://www.christineharris.com/AboutMe/Awards.aspx Christine regularly speaks at writers’ festivals, conferences and in schools and universities. She was on the SA State Library Community Advisory Board, 2004; and the Arts SA judging panel for the Festival Awards Fellowship, 2008. She writes because she loves stories. Wonderful moments happen when readers laugh, think and, sometimes, cry. Christine’s website: www.christineharris.com Reviews for the show "Audrey of the Outback" Kalinda Primary School, Ringwood, VIC "Great story!... Great characters and look at our past history. Good reflection and relating the characters to stereotypes in Australian history. Dramatic play using the junior book awards is an excellent way to bring literature to life." Christine Harris, Author of "Audrey of the Outback" “Hi Tony, We went to Auburn today to see Michael and Jacqui's performance, as you probably know. Both David and I thought they worked really hard and they cleverly managed to portray varied characters and be their own roadies! Jacqui was Audrey. She was magnificent, and has such a strong singing voice. My only regret is that 'Mr Akbar' was on stage - channelled by Michael - for such a short time. Thank you very much. ....I think what was included was perfect. It related to the theme and the being a man thing fitted psychologically with the missing Dad and the swaggie. Would have done the same myself. Thanks again, Christine." Christine Harris, Author of "Audrey of the Outback" Caulfield Grammas School, Wheelers Hill, VIC "The two actors had fantastic energy and enthusiasm. Great characterisation and use of simple props/puppets/sounds effects...Great to touch upon Australian history... the discussion at the end was very valuable in linking both play to book and to make it relevant for book week activities." The Patch Primary School, The Patch, VIC "The children LOVED the show! They were engrossed the while time... From a teachers perspective the show tied in perfectly with our Australian History Integrated Unit and there was plenty of discussion afterwards about swaggies and the colloquial language of the day." Flinders Christian Community College, Tyabb, VIC "A thoroughly enjoyable show. I loved the portrayal of all the characters. Amelia was very strong as Audrey and came across as a little girl starting to grow up and ask the difficult questions. Matt was great in all the parts. I enjoyed the costumes and the use of the silhouette puppet and the doll. The music was catchy and the words appropriate. Our children seemed to be engaged in and enjoy the performance. The Grade 4’s seemed most involved and asked most of the questions at the end. Thank you”
Short listed “Picture Book of the Year" shows: 2008 "The Night Garden" by Elise Hurst 2007 "Water Witcher" by Jan Ormerod 2006 "Irving the Magician" by Tohby Riddle 2005 "At the Beach - Postcards from Crabby Spit" by Roland Harvey 2004 "Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat" by Stephen Michael King 2003 "Bear and Chook" by Lisa Shanahan & Emma Quay 2002 "Horrible Harriet" by Leigh Hobbs 2001 "The Singing Hat" by Tohby Riddle Short listed “Younger Reader's Book of the Year" shows: 2008 "Amelia Dee & the peacock lamp" by Odo Hirsch 2007 "Being Bee" by Catherine Bateson 2006 "To The Light" by Pat Flynn 2005 "Billy Mack's War" by James Roy 2004 "Stella by the Sea” by Ruth Starke 2003 "Tom Jones Saves the World" by Steven Herrick
2001 "Something's Fishy, Hazel Green!" by Odo Hirsch 2000 "Captain Mack" by James Roy Short listed “Older Reader's Book of the Year” shows: 2002 "When Dogs Cry" by Markus Zusak 2001 "Touch Me" by James Moloney 2000 "Tyro" by David McRobbie Testimonials for all these shows can be found by clicking here |
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Book titles performed in the past