A wonderful story which genuinely feels like Australia in the height of summer.
Feature image credit: Scholastic Australia
South Australian children’s author Phil Cummings was born in Port Broughton. He spent his early years on a farm before moving to Peterborough. These early experiences have obviously influenced and informed many of his books. He has published over 70 children’s books, two of which have been turned into theatrical productions by Windmill Performing Arts Company. He is an ambassador for Raising Literacy Australia, and has been an ambassador for the Premier’s Reading Challenge since its inception in 2004.
Through the Smoke is set in rural Australia in the height of summer. As readers we can feel the heat from the sun and as it rises from the hot earth. Three children are on their way to play in the local creek. They pretend they are knights on their chargers heading to their ancient castle of Everdell. They have a wonderful time playing in the creek, and we can feel their joy as they swing from a large gum tree into the water. The beautiful sulphur-crested cockatoos flying across the page set the story squarely in the Australian countryside. The children are happily playing until fire threatens their lives. This is when Cummings switches to metaphors which cleverly stay in the medieval theme as the fire becomes the dragon which must be overcome.
Cummings has managed to keep the tension of a bushfire feel real, while softening the realism by using the mythical dragon as the antagonist. The metaphors from medieval England about knights and dragons to capture the might of the bushfire, and the bravery of those fighting it, is perfect for the younger child. Phrases like dry grass crackled underfoot and hot sun scorched our backs immediately set the scene.
The imagery is exceptional and we feel the fear of the children as they remember lessons obviously taught to them by parents. The powerful ending is a reminder of how resilient our country is.
Andrew McLean, known for his illustrations in the award-winning book A Year on the Farm and who grew up in country Victoria, is the perfect choice to be the illustrator. His earthy water-coloured illustrations perfectly capture the dryness of the Australian countryside.
This book would be a perfect addition to any library, both school and home. Teachers and parents will no doubt find lots to talk about both during the reading and afterwards.
Through the Smoke is dedicated to our firefighters, who are so important to those who live in rural Australia.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Scholastic Australia
Released: 2019
RRP: $26.99
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