Seven Little Australians (Paperback)

By Ethel Turner

The author was only 21 when she wrote this in the latter part of the 19th century. It is beautifully written. It will make you smile, laugh and cry. Once read it will stay with you forever. I read this when I was a child and again recently and on both occasions I have used any excuse to read another chapter or two. I would have read it all in one go if time had allowed me to do so - it's that type of book.

The story is about Captain Woolcott, his wife Ester and their seven children. Ester is only 20, a mere girl herself yet mother to a chubby baby boy nicknamed 'the General' and stepmother to the other six children. The eldest child is Meg who is on the verge of womanhood but still really a child. Judy is high spirited and full of laughter. Pip her brother is a typical boy. Nellie is sweet and kind Bunty is full of mischief, always grubby but loves his siblings and always admits his naughtiness soon after the event. Then there is Baby who is the youngest of the six and who has retained her nickname even though 'the General' has now taken that position in the family from her.

The story follows the adventures (and misadventures) of the Woolcott children. It gives you a good insight into Australia of the late 1800's and the lives of those who lived in that era. This is a classic story, particularly for girls and I would highly recommend it.

By Ethel Turner

The author was only 21 when she wrote this in the latter part of the 19th century. It is beautifully written. It will make you smile, laugh and cry. Once read it will stay with you forever. I read this when I was a child and again recently and on both occasions I have used any excuse to read another chapter or two. I would have read it all in one go if time had allowed me to do so - it's that type of book.

The story is about Captain Woolcott, his wife Ester and their seven children. Ester is only 20, a mere girl herself yet mother to a chubby baby boy nicknamed 'the General' and stepmother to the other six children. The eldest child is Meg who is on the verge of womanhood but still really a child. Judy is high spirited and full of laughter. Pip her brother is a typical boy. Nellie is sweet and kind Bunty is full of mischief, always grubby but loves his siblings and always admits his naughtiness soon after the event. Then there is Baby who is the youngest of the six and who has retained her nickname even though 'the General' has now taken that position in the family from her.

The story follows the adventures (and misadventures) of the Woolcott children. It gives you a good insight into Australia of the late 1800's and the lives of those who lived in that era. This is a classic story, particularly for girls and I would highly recommend it.