The Magic Mist

The Magic Mist is a fantasy, in the form of a lovely, 90-line poem , A young boy goes for a quiet walk on a path in the Australian bush (or forest). A mysterious mist descends and as the boy walks into it, assuming that it is an ordinary mist, he suddenly discovers that a magical new world of Australian bush animals is revealed: "Across my path marched lines of ants, in brightly coloured shoes and pants...." He'd seen many kangaroos in the bush - but none like the one he sees that day - a kangaroo wearing a bush hat who speaks to him, and further on, a wombat, wearing a dressing gown invites him to lunch. More surprises are in store. The full-page illustrations by Helen Marshall, are breathtakingly beautiful in their rich colours. There is a colouring-in page which includes words in the story that young readers may not know. They are encouraged to find out their meanings. The book is not only a delight to read while enjoying the illustrations; it's also very educational. There are illustrations of beautiful Australian birds, such as the sulphur-crested cockatoo, and Australian animals, such as the kangaroo, and new words to learn.The proof-reader commented: "I didn't want it to end!" That may well be the reaction of most who read this lovely story.