It came to my attention a few weeks ago that a friend of mine’s mother had released a children’s book and I was filled with excitement. Lynn Ward, local author and poet released her first children’s book this year ‘The Big Beet’. Illustrated by Adam Carruthers this book is a wonderful piece of Australian Children’s literature. Taken from the Russian tale The Enormous Turnip it brings to light the Australian spirit of mateship.

The adventure begins when Mr McGruff ( Bertie Magee) goes to pick a beetroot for his wife Thelma’s hamburger, unfortunately he just can’t seem to get it out, no matter how hard he tries. Thank goodness for the people around who are willing to lend a hand.

It’s such a wonderfully well rhymed book that shows how things can work out if we all work together, a wonderful and timeless message for children.

A little bit about Lynn:

Lynn Ward is an Australian children’s writer who has published stories in the School
Magazine (NSW), Little Ears, Fandangle Magazine and Storybox, an online magazine. She has
also had two short stories published in the Book for Fiji anthology. She has won awards for
writing in the CYA (Children and Young Adults) competition held in conjunction with the
Brisbane Writers’ Festival, and the Kathleen Julia Bates Writing for Children competition.

I was fortunate to get into contact with Lynn and ask some questions about her book and writing for children, the answer of which will appearing on the blog this week, so keep your eyes open for those.

-Leah

Publisher: Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia
Category: Picture Book
Publication date: August 2013
Age: 4+
Australian RRP: $24.99
ISBN: 978 1 86291 966 2