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  • Published: 1 October 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143788669
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $24.99

The Upside-down History of Down Under



Read the un-put-down-able history of Down Under – unexpected, heroic and sometimes tragic. But never ever boring.

The story of Australia starts with a piece of land that went for a swim. About 200 million years ago it floated away from Africa.
Very, very, slowly.
It was home to dinosaurs and giant animals, then the first Australians showed up and got comfortable. And for a long time this wild and wonderful land was a mystery to the rest of the world. Until the English decided it would make the best jail ever . . .

Funny, heroic and tragic – the story of our country from prehistory to federation.

  • Published: 1 October 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143788669
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $24.99

About the authors

Terry Denton

Terry Denton has been creating children’s books for over 30 years. He has worked with many of Australia's top authors, written much-loved picture books and junior fiction novels, won more than 40 children’s choice awards and been shortlisted many times in the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards. His Felix and Alexander won Picture Book of the Year in 1986. His books include The Upside-down History of Downunder with Alison Lloyd, The Worm Who Knew Karate with Jill Lever, as well as the Gasp! books and the animated TV series, and the world-famous Just! books and Treehouse series with Andy Griffiths. His work is characterised by a devious sense of humour, an adventurous and inventive drawing style and an informed flair for what interests and amuses kids.

Alison Lloyd

Alison Lloyd loves history – both the big sweep of events and the little details of how people lived. Her favourite stories are about people's deep feelings - hope and despair, loyalty and betrayal, love and loss. Put these things together in a book and she can't put it down. That's why she wrote her first novel Year of the Tiger, and it's sequel Battle of the Jade Horse. She is also the author of the CBCA shortlisted non-fiction -Wicked Warriors and Evil Emperors - and the Letty books in the Australian Girl series. Before she wrote Year of the Tiger, Alison worked for the Australian Government, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Alison lives in Melbourne with her family.

Awards & recognition

NSW Premier's History Awards

Winner  •  2019  •  Young People's History Prize

Australian Book Design Awards

Shortlisted  •  2019  •  Best Designed Non Fiction Book

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