Chris Uhlmann (text) and Paul Uhlmann (illustrator), The Useless Tune, Walker Books Australia, April 2023, RRP $26.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760653729
The language in this picture book is lyrical and beautiful, both in the text and artwork. The magpie is sad in leaving her mother but also ‘basked in her newfound independence.’ She is searching for a new home.
Initially the magpie, Maggie, explores the land for a tree worthy of her song – ‘a melody that danced as long as sunrise warmed and moonglow shone.’ She discovers the Mountain Ash, Ironbark, River Red Gum and shares her beautiful song. But the trees are rude and reject her as trouble or useless and tell her to go away. Her song can’t protect the trees from drought, or fire, or loggers. Maggie is heartbroken. Will she ever find a home?
‘Blinded by tears, Maggie flew from tree to tree begging for a branch to perch on’. Every tree rejects her until she can fly no more. She cries herself to sleep lying on the ground in the ‘dark and dangerous bush’. In the morning she wakes up the voice of a shaggy-looking Scribbly Gum. It isn’t a magnificent tree, but it welcomes Maggie to nest on its branches. It knows that singing can’t stop the floods and fires, but recognises a magpie’s song is magical. Maggie sings and the Scribbly Gum sways its branches with her melody. Maggie builds her home in the Scribbly Gum which protects her for all the days of her life. If you listen at sunrise with an open heart, you can hear the song that ‘weaves the threads of harmony of all creation.’
Chris Uhlmann, a former political editor for Nine News found his true love is writing. He has worked in journalism in print, radio, television and won a Walkley Award as part of the Four Corners team. His brother Paul Uhlmann, an artist has exhibited nationally and internationally since 1983 and his work is held in many prominent collections.
This team have created a magical picture book, which opens the power and inspiration of music despite floods, drought, and loggers. There is a lot to discuss with young readers.
Ages for children from 6 to 10.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Susanne Gervay
