Waltzing Matilda

by A.B. Paterson

Book Overview

Beautifully illustrated by Desmond Digby, here is a new edition of Australia's most famous song. Beautifully illustrated children's paperback by much loved Australian Poet A.B Paterson . through a light lyrical verse, comes to life the story of a swagman who steals a sheep or 'jumbuck', and his ensuing police chase. Desmond Digby's painterly style of illustration with rustic colours, and a rugged looking swagman encapsulate the poet's Australian bush...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0207170983
• ISBN13: 9780207170980
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: HarperCollins Australia
• Length: 36 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 10.0" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

outstanding illustrations

This version of the poem is wonderfully illustrated by Desmond Digby. The colours and light are very evocative of when I was a small boy living in Australia. The pictures bring to life the aloneness and small pleasures of the swagman, his panic as the authorities decide (probably unjustly) to crack down on him, and even the fear of the 'jumbuck' (sheep) as the swagman "grabs him in glee". I sing this to my ten-month-old, and he absolutely loves it - it's a nice song, more involving than a shorter rhyme or lullaby.

Waltzing Matilda

The author and illustrator do a fine job of making this well-known Australian ballad come to life for the reader. The glossary which provides definitions for the Australian terms is also very helpful. I was very surprised to see that the reading level for this title is listed as baby-preschool. I have frequently used this book when teaching the ballad to third or fourth grade students. The many unfamiliar terms and the outcome of the story (the swagman commits suicide to avoid jail) would seem to make the book inappropriate for younger readers.