It is the 17th book in the ‘This is…’ series and Sasek is visiting down under! This is Australia is a wonderful book to add to the classic travel series, first published in the ’70s, which Courtney posted about here!
In line with the later books in the series, the colours are slightly vintage and the images are retro and whimsical. And Sasek’s mode of travel to the land down under? Not in chains like the first British colonists, but on a Qantas big bird!! (which incidentally, ‘flies very well’, unlike the Australian penguin and emu!) I absolutely love these books — they introduce children to the people, customs and places of interest in cities around the world, captivating young readers with gorgeous illustrations and a witty narrative. I also think it’s fascinating to see each city from a 1960’s perspective. And…needless to say, in my family we just love the Aussie edition!
Available for worldwide delivery at Amazon .
ps. Courtney, this is the perfect souvenir for your children and will remind them for years to come of their great Aussie adventure!!
– Sara
Comments (6)
I never heard of this series. So sad I’m just now finding out about it. This is a great way to learn about a new place, and can also serve as a souvenir. I will definitely keep a look out for these books for when we’re traveling to a new place.
I’m rushing out to buy the book now….how many in the series?
I will definitely buy this for the kids… in honour of our big trip! I didn’t know he did one on Australia. Thanks for the tip!
xoxo
i love his books and bought the “this is hong kong” book for my yet-to-be-born baby (he will be born in hong kong).
great illustrations!
my post about this book is here:
http://sekimachihato.blogspot.com/2009/12/this-is-hong-kong.html
I love Australia and the retro illustrations of this book are lovely. I will try to buy it! Thank you for the tip!
We already own This is London as that is where we live and her father is from there. So when This is Australia was released I had to buy a copy for our daughter as I am Australian, and she was born there. They are a little old for her at the moment but I love them as a ways of introducing her not only to her own culture but that of other places. This is Paris is next on list.