Customer Reviews

Waltzing Matilda

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

In this wonderful book, noted Australian artist Desmond Digby takes A.B. Peterson's tune "Waltzing Matilda," and presents it as a beautifully illustrated story. Each page contains a line of the song, complete with a full-page painting. It is a very beautiful production.

My one and only complaint against this book is that the author uses Peterson's original 1895 lyrics, whereas I, probably like most Americans, are more familiar with 1903 Billy Tea version of the song. I mean, I love to sing along with Waltzing Matilda, but the tune I am familiar with does not work with these lyrics. But, in truth that is a small complaint, and it is nice that Mr. Digby gives credit where credit is due and uses the true Peterson lyrics.

This is quite a charming, and well made book, and I really am glad that I saw it. If you like Australia, or Waltzing Matilda, then you really should check out this book!

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.