Reviewed By Amelia Vahtrick, Kids Buzz Editor
One of the best new series of the past year has got to be Audrey of the Outback. Audrey is a girl who would get along famously with Anne Shirley and Pippi Longstocking. Aside from the fact that they all have red hair, they are all plucky, imaginative girls who aren't going to let anyone tell them what they can't do. In Audrey's case, this would be going to live as a swaggie, pack on her back, with only her friend Stumpy to keep her company. What choice does she have when her older brother has decided he is too old to play games anymore, and her younger brother spends most of his time pretending to be a bird.
In the second book, Audrey Goes to Town, our heroine is excited to visit the Town of Beltana, mainly because of the fact that there is a shop that sells only lollies! But then Audrey's mum gets sick and she and her brother Dougie have to stay in town with Mrs Paterson, a horrible old lady with a nose sharp enough to open a can of peaches. Audrey didn't ever think that she would dread staying in town for a month... but that was before she met Mrs Paterson.
Audrey's Big Secret is the third book out in this fabulous series. In the middle of the night, Audrey looks out into the dark and sees a pale hovering shape. Is it a ghost? An angel? A bunyip?! You will have to read the books to find out.
The Audrey of the Outback series, set in 1930s Australia, has been shortlisted for numerous awards including the Children's Peace Literature Award and the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for Younger Readers. It is easy to see why when you read the books - Audrey is a fantastic heroine and role model for young girls, and her adventures will keep you enthralled!
