Easy to read information book which is great for Australians of all ages who are interested in how our democracy works.
Feature image credit: Allen & Unwin
Annabel Crabb needs no introduction to most people who live in Australia. Through her podcasts, political journalism, books, and hosting ABC shows such as Back in Time for Dinner, Ms Represented, The House with Annabel Crabb, and Kitchen Cabinet, she has become a household name.
On top of all these credentials, Crabb has now written an informative, easy-to-read book called There’s a Prawn in Parliament House. It is a kids’ guide to Australia’s democracy. What a great idea! How many Australians truly know and understand how our democracy works? Clearly set out with text boxes, headings, and diagrams, this book is actually for every Australian, young or old.
Black-and-white lined illustrations are by Guardian Australia cartoonist First Dog on the Moon, who is
“Australia’s only Walkley award-winning marsupial-based cartoonist.”
Each chapter clearly gives information about things like the Constitution, why we vote, and making laws. Shawn the Prawn gives the reader an entertaining introduction. He explains how he lives in one of the geometric patterns on the floor of the Marble Foyer in Parliament House. So he obviously knows what he is talking about!
There’s a Prawn in Parliament House is easy to read with lots of humour added. This is no dry information text. The sample how to vote card for the electoral division of Honkitybonk has candidate names such as Barry Floob and Tina Notashark. A section on Bugs in Parliament also tells us about a tiny cicada, dragonfly, and blowfly hidden on the wooden carving on the ceiling above the Cabinet table: a probably useless, but oh-so-interesting fact.
Added bonuses at the end are What to Spot in Parliament House (if you ever go to visit), a timeline of Australian prime ministers, and the glossary. There is also a final word from Shawn, including his top five favourite things about Australian democracy.
There’s a Prawn in Parliament House can be read from cover to cover, or in sections, depending on what interests you at the time.
This book is so important for every single citizen of Australia so we know and understand how our parliament functions and why things happen the way they do. So many of us don’t really know how things work.
Whether you’re in late primary school or adulthood, there is something for everyone and it would make an excellent gift for anybody slightly interested in our country’s political workings.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: September 2025
RRP: $24.99
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