Old Worlds New Worlds Other Worlds

Old Worlds New Worlds Other Worlds: Stories, Poetry, and Plays for Children compiled by CBCA NSW Eastern Suburbs Sub-Branch PB RRP ISBN 9780645154504

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The funds raised by the sales of this anthology will further the work of both the CBCA NSW Branch and their Eastern Suburbs Sub-branch in fulfilling their shared purpose: to ensure Australian children have stories written for them, to support and celebrate the work of our Australian creatives, and to promote the joy of reading. Anthology contributors have all donated their stories, plays and poetry, illustrations, and production skills‑— over 70 contributors, including some of the most well-loved Australian children’s literature creatives. These include Belinda Murrell, Kate Forsyth, Susanne Gervay, Tim Harris, Sue Whiting, Patricia Bernard, Elizabeth Mary Cummings, and more.

The Foreword is from the NSW Governor, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC and Mir Wilson, introduction from Ursula Dubosarsky the Australian Children's Laureate, and acknowledgement of Country in Dharug by Jasmine Seymour. 

The back cover sums up the book’s content: ‘Wonder at the universe. Swim through oceans. Encounter lions. Venture into space. Delve into fairytales. Travel back in time. Face danger head-on.’

Titles of stories include ‘The Red Suitcase’, ‘Dragon Days’, ‘Harriet Digs Dinosaurs’, and ‘Toilet Tales’, Poems include ‘Spooky Stuff,’ ‘The World is Waiting’, ‘Olga: The Girl from Another World’, and ‘A Step Between Two Worlds’. Plays are 'New Earth', and 'Kate, Liz and Nat's Epic Picnic'.

The book is illustrated, too, with beautiful black and white line pictures by talents such as Dub Leffler, Liz Bowring, Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, Sare Christensen, and Gemma Patience. There are even photographs (contributed by wildlife photographer Jan Latte). 

Every time a page is turned, there is a new and exciting discovery to be made. At the back of the book are blurbs about every one of the contributors. Variety is certainly a keynote of this sterling collection.

This is an outstanding compilation which is sure to be enjoyed by its readers, both young and old.