Bushfire Book

I’ve just received two great new reviews from a wonderful newzine called Good Gabble (www.goodgabble.blogspot.com).  There are lots of interesting things to read and a wonderful journey around Australia to share.  Jennifer Deaves and her daughter Samantha Lo wrote them.  I have abbreviated them and you can see the full reviews on the Good Gabble blog.

Jennifer wrote:

Bushfire by Elizabeth Mellor, a reflection of loss, a celebration of life and a book that heals. Having first-hand experience of the terror of a bushfire in 2002, Elizabeth writes with truth and detail that takes the reader within the life of Ruby, her family and their hardship and joys…  (To read more, click on the link)  Read the rest of this entry »

Sunday tea at Grandma’s was usually a light meal of things only eaten at that meal. It followed the traditional big Sunday roast lunch so no one was especially hungry – or at least the adults weren’t. Puftaloons were one of those special dishes. Mrs. Tottle taught Ruby how to cook them in Bushfire and they were a great treat to those lucky enough to get one. (To read more, click on the link.) Read the rest of this entry »

For Younger Readers, Parents, Teachers and Other Adults 

Bushfire by Elizabeth Mellor (The Awakening Network Inc) Reviewed by Wendy Blaxland

How would we react as a firestorm races towards us? How would we cope with the aftermath, picking up our life again?

And even more so, how do vulnerable kids cope? How might we help them?

That’s where bushfire, Elizabeth Mellor’s new novel for upper primary and early secondary aged children, comes in. Her book handles this sensitive but vital topic for all Australians from a unique double point of view. The author herself experienced first-hand the terror of facing a firestorm in rural Victoria and then the long complex process of recovery. She also has thirty years’ experience as a counsellor and social worker, helping trauma survivors and working in parent education, as well as a number of books to her name. (Read more of this excellent review.) Read the rest of this entry »