This book made history in the sphere of juvenile literature. It is an imaginative presentation of Australian wonders wherein each fancy, however magical, is the "Spirit" of an actual fact. It is when nine-year-old Del meets golden-brown Bushbo that "all the wonderful things begin to happen". The climax is when Australia herself, "Magnificent and ancient one", speaks yearningly to Bushbo her vegetation, and Del her "mortal youth". Adventuring...