Books and beyond

First published on 14 Aug 2010. Updated on 20 Sep 2010.

Mirror Jeannie Baker (2010)
The book: Wordless and timeless, Jeannie Baker's Mirror follows two boys - one in Sydney, the other in Morocco. Seemingly worlds apart, both are bound by their family's love and their own need to belong.
The exhibition:Mirror's exquisite collage illustrations are on display at Museum of Sydney.

Tales of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie May Gibbs (1918)
The book: True babes in the woods, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are cherub half-brothers in natty gumnut caps who must find their way in a bushland full of fierce creatures, not least the "ugly, wicked" Banksia men - the bane of many an Aussie child's dreamings.
The experience: May Gibbs' home, ‘Nutcote', is a museum open to the public that can be booked for children's parties where kids can dress as gumnut bubs or Banksia baddies.

Fox Margaret Wild & Ron Brooks (2000)
The book: A wild tale of mateship, betrayal and bravery against the odds, this haunting book centres on the bond between blind Dog, flightless Magpie and friendless Fox. Spare prose and vivid visceral artwork make it a feral family favourite.
The show: A huge hit at the Seymour in May, Fox the opera comes to Glen Street Theatre in September.

Blueback Tim Winton (2003)
The book: Part of the 2010 Premier's Reading Challenge, Blueback is, says Winton, "a fable for all ages" and centres on young Abel Jackson's love for his mother, the sea and an old blue groper as he struggles to save his home from developers and his fishy friend's environment from ruthless fishermen. It's a poignant call-to-arms for junior greenies.
The adventure: Sydney kids can get up close with the book's hero at Clovelly Beach, long-time home to the beloved ‘Bluey', a blue groper so charming to snorkellers and swimmers they made him the fish emblem of NSW.

Tomorrow, When the War Began John Marsden (1993)
The book: The first book in the best-selling series tells the story of 17-year-old Ellie and her friends returning from a camping trip to find their hometown invaded and their parents kidnapped. A war has begun and Ellie and her seven pals must scavenge to survive and, ultimately, fight back to restore order and save their parents and country.
The film: Written and directed by Stuart Beattie (Pirates of the Caribbean) and filmed in Sydney and the Hunter Valley, this adventure drama hits cinemas with all-star local cast on September 2.

Ned Kelly and the Green Sash Mark Greenwood & Frané Lessac (2010)
The book: Aged 11, Ned Kelly saved a schoolmate from drowning and was decorated with a green sash, a treasure the outlaw wore under his armour in his last stand in 1880 - "proof that even my dark life had a light side". This new tale draws on true history and asks young readers to dwell on the fine line between good guys and bad guys in folklore.
The exhibit: Ned's death mask and bushranger artefacts can be found at Justice & Police Museum.

PLUS The Tinytoreum! Beloved children's book team Jackie French and Bruce Whatley curate this new exhibition of treasures that have inspired children's tales and illustrations.