Home and Away

A dramatic picture book for older readers that poses the question - what would happen if a typical Australian family found themselves refugees? This classic CBCA Shortlisted book is now part of LOTHIAN AUSTRALIAN FAVOURITES, a collection of the very best Australian picture books.

We're a typical Australian family. Barbeques, footy, gardening, school, Holden Commodores . . . Then one day things change.

'April 26, Dad burns the toast, yells at Toby, thanks me for cleaning the cab of the truck, kisses Mum and Toby, then he's gone . . .

April 27, the war starts . . .

May 21, the city's in ruins, blackouts nearly all the time, food is hard to find . . .

September 13, Dad's hears news of a boat. We might get out of here yet . . .

September 28, it's just after dawn. A boat from their Navy has found us. We wave and cry and cheer. But then, slowly, we realise they are shouting at us, telling us to go away . . .

September 30, we are in a huge prison, with razor wire all around us . . .'

The powerful and thought-provoking CBCA Honour Book HOME AND AWAY is now part of LOTHIAN AUSTRALIAN FAVOURITES.



About the Author

Matt Ottley is one of Australia's most acclaimed children's author/illustrators and his works have been translated into several languages. He also works as a composer and musician. Matt's works include What Faust Saw, Luke's Way Of Looking (CBCA Honour Book, 2000), Requiem For A Beast (CBCA Picture Book of the Year and Queensland Premier's Award for YA Fiction 2008), Home And Away (CBCA Honour Book 2009) and Parachute (CBCA Honour Book 2014).