Audrey of the Outback

Audrey of the Outback #1

by Christine Harris

In this story about identity and independence, the gutsy girl from the bush tries being a farmer, a man, a teacher, and a pirate—all with dire consequences!
Audrey is a 1930s outback girl with a lot on her mind. Her dad has gone away to work; her brother Price thinks he's too old for games; and little Dougie likes pretending to be a bird. So together with her best friend Stumpy, Audrey ponders some of life's big questions—like whether being a swaggie (or bush traveler, as explained in the handy glossary) is lonelier than being a girl, and whether it's better to be a sheep or a cow. Determined, mischievous, imaginative, and inquisitive, Audrey is Australia's response to Pippi Longstocking and Ramona Quimby.

Genres: Australia, Chapter Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Geography, Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Christine Harris is an Australian writer of children's and young-adult with works both in speculative fiction and historical fiction.

Reviews

[Darcy (Daydreamingofbookdragons) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The copy of this book that I read was an Uncorrected Proof Copy.

As a children's book, I actually think this is quite good. It does a great job at not hiding the harshness of living in the outback, while also keeping it kid friendly, as well as imparting some important lessons. It could be a bit clearer about what year it is set in, but I also read an uncorrected proof copy so it might actually have been in the finished copy. From what I know, this book is set around the 1930's in outback South Australia, and from what I, a late 90's born suburbia Sydney-sider, and farm but not outback turned city Melbournian, it appears to be quite realistic.

Also, on an unrelated note, my attempts to catch up on my Goodreads reading goal by reading children's books from my pile of books to read before giving away is failing. I'm currently still 8 books behind, and this 150 page, large font, children's book took me six days to get through. Audrey is right, being an adult is hard.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you take Ramona Quimby or Clementine (by Pennypacker) and set them in the outback in the 1930s, then you have Audrey Barlow, who uses her boundless imagination to create fun for herself. The family is somewhat impoverished, and Dad is away working, And Mom Barlow's greatest household wish is for glass in the windows. The story is filled with fun Australian vocabulary and phrases, some of which are listed in a glossary in the back of the book.

[Safiye · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a about a young girl that is lives in the outback of Australia she has an imaginary friend named Stumpy.she is a really funny character and imagination 5000 miles wide and about a billion miles long this story brings how life the outback of Australia to life in a fun and imaginative way.

A good read, I wood say that it is good for ages 6 and up if you are reading one chapter a day I help that you well enjoy this book as much as I do.

I would all so recommend the last human I hope that you also enjoy that book.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this and other books in the Audrey series with my daughter and we were both highly entertained. it was great to get a glimpse of an older way of life and the ways people adapted to remote living. Audrey is a delightful character and gets into some very hilarious scrapes. And she's brave and kind which are great qualities to celebrate.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book about a girl who lives in the Australian Outback with her two brothers and her mom. Her dad is away and they are not sure when he can make it make. Homeschoolers should like this book as Audrey is homeschooled. The part about Stumpy was pretty clever--I was not expecting that ending.

[A'Lyssa Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audrey is a young girl living in the harsh Australian Outback in the 1930s trying to find out who she is and where she belongs in the world. Lots of new Australian vocab we didn’t know, but there’s a handy glossary in the back to help us understand. I would have liked to know more about some of the secondary characters, ie what happened to mum’s leg, why had Jimmy’s dad been in jail, and how long ago did Audrey’s sisters die? We liked the “twist” about Stumpy at the end.

[Katie Krombein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little book that I got for reading around the world with my 10 year old. We agreed that we cannot fathom living in the bush of Australia but this gives us a little picture.

[Rebekah Byson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Australian take on Laura Ingalls or Ramona Quimby. Great read-aloud, or reader for younger children. Full of humor, and even a little bit sadness, and some magic. Loved it.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as our read-aloud for Australia/Oceana. I enjoyed it, and so did my son. After reading Little House in the Big Woods and The Birchbark House, this was an interesting addition to the mix.

[Kristy Hetzel]

This is a VERY unique book!

[Tiffany Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids loved this one! Toothless and his bag were definitely a favorite that they still talk about. Fair dinkum.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Pippi Longstocking of Australia” seems about right. Fun, short.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept both my kids engaged all the way through with the slow reveal of who Audrey's best friend Stumpy was. It was a great age appropriate account of life in outback Australia during the 1930's. There is a glossary at the back for all the Australian slang if you're not familiar with it. It was a great way to explain what life was like before everyone had glass in their windows or a fridge.

***Interview with my 5 1/2 year old***
Me: Did you like that book?
Him: *nods head*
Me: Which bits did you like the best?
Him: When Stumpy came back and when I thought Stumpy was a dog.
Me: Were there any scary bits?
Him: The ghost bit when she was sleeping outside and had that scary feeling.
Me: Who was your favourite person?
Him: The mother because I want to know how she hurt her leg.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey is spunky and fun with a great imagination, everything you would want from a girl living in the Australian Outback in the 1930s. She lives with her parents and two brothers, though her father is traveling for work most of the time. Life isn't easy, but they make the best of the situation, often with a humorous outcome. It's like a mash up of Little House in the Prairie and Ramona Quimby, set in Australia. Thankfully, this authentic Australian adventure contains a glossary! Recommended for grades 2-4, younger for reading aloud.

[Lauren Duffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to my 8 year old daughter as part of our study on Australia. She enjoyed it, especially the use of Aussie words and the glossary at the back of the book. I didn’t find it very riveting but it was ok.

[Bronte Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learnt that you should make sure that when you have options you choose what's best for you.