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  • Published: 1 November 2011
  • ISBN: 9781742753621
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 160
  • RRP: $14.99

Classic Australian Poems





Poems you can’t live without from Australia’s literary treasure chest!

Australian poets have a wonderful way with words and their poems bring to life the iconic Aussie characters and unforgettable landscape that are part of our Australian heritage. Many of these - Mulga Bill, Clancy of the Overflow, The Ant Explorer, M'Dougal, The Shearer's Wife and Mr Smith - are larger than life. And the poets who created them - AB Patterson, CJ Dennis, Thomas E Spencer, Louis Esson and DH Souter - have become heroic figures in our pantheon of stars.The 60 poems in this collection appear in their original, or near original, form and are wide-ranging in their subject matter: animals, the countryside, the struggle of bush life, early transport, sport, growing old, being young and having fun with words! But whether they are humorous, serious or playful, they are simply a joy to read!No matter if we grew up reciting these classic poems at school, quote from them on important occasions or are meeting them for the first time, there is no doubt that these classic poems embody what it is to be Australian.Edited by Christopher Cheng and illustrated by Gregory Rogers.

  • Published: 1 November 2011
  • ISBN: 9781742753621
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 160
  • RRP: $14.99

About the author

Christopher Cheng

Christopher Cheng is an award-winning children’s fiction and non fiction author. He dwells in an inner-city Sydney terrace and presents to people of all ages at schools and festivals worldwide. He has a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and was a Literacy Ambassador for the Australian Federal Government. He is a member of the International Advisory Council for SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and an Ambassador for NCACL (the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature).

His most recent picture book, Dragon Folding, is a tribute to his neighbours and godson who give so freely of their love and support.

Other picture books include Bear and Rat, lovingly written for his amazing wife Bini, and illustrated by Stephen Michael King, which has been published in many countries worldwide. One Tree, illustrated by Bruce Whatley, was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, and is a CBCA Notable Book. One Child, illustrated by Steven Woolman, won the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Picture Books (Australia) and the Skipping Stones Honour Book (USA). Christopher also worked with Sarah Davis on the critically acclaimed picture book Sounds Spooky which won an Aurealis Award in the picture book category and is a CBCA Notable Book.

Christopher is often heard to announce that he has the best job in the world!

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