Neridah McMullin (text) and Andrew Mclean (illustrator), Tearaway Coach, Walker Books Australia, April 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760653170
This is a near-perfect picture book with a rollicking story of a Cobb & Co coach journey told in a most engaging way, and outstanding illustrations that provide a convincing picture of the 1850s and the speed and beauty of the horses.
As always with Walker Books, the design and attention to detail is impressive. Young Fenton sits beside the driver, Cabbage Tree Ned (based on a real character), who teaches him how to drive the powerful team of six. They encounter one drama after another from bushrangers and bolting horses to failed brakes.
The illustrations are mostly in tones of brown and terracotta, except for the picture of the dry countryside with the leaping grey kangaroos and flock of pastel pink cockatoos. A few lines of text in a good size type complete this highly recommended book.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Douglas
