Review of POSSUM MAGIC

Fox, Mem. 1983. POSSUM MAGIC. Illustrated by Julie Vivas. Orlando, FL: Voyager Books. ISBN 0152632247.

PLOT SUMMARY
To keep Hush safe from snakes, Grandma Poss uses her bush magic to make Hush invisible. For a while the young possum enjoys the freedom invisibility allows, but one day she asks her grandmother to make her visible again. After looking unsuccessfully through her spell books, Grandma Hush remembers that the magic has something to do with eating “people food.” So begins a journey around Australia, looking for lamington, pavlova, and vegemite sandwiches that will make Hush visible once more.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Mem Fox and Julie Vivas include many cultural markers in their enchanting picture book. Readers young and old will enjoy the literary and visual references to Australia and the bush culture. Fox consciously uses language to evoke the essence of the country. The author’s description of Grandma Poss’ bush magic, which turns “wombats blue and kookaburras pink,” refers to a practice that is distinctly Australian. Her inclusion of native Australian animals places the reader firmly in this unique territory. The possums’ search for “people food” sends them on a culinary tour of Australia and readers discover cultural treats like anzac biscuits and minties. A helpful glossary offers descriptions of the Australian foods for international audiences. Through these colorful descriptions, Fox succeeds in lending an air of authenticity to her story.

In a picture book, the illustrations complement and extent the text to create a memorable literary and visual experience. Vivas’ magical illustrations transport readers to the bush country and share an unmistakable image of Australia. The setting of a story is so important in multicultural and international literature and Vivas takes great care in representing the Australian outback and its amazing animals. Kangaroos, emus, dingoes, koalas, wombats, and kookaburras offer young viewers a glimpse of the rich animal diversity on this continent. Vivas also includes a map of Australia, labeling the towns and cities mentioned in the text during the quest for “people food.” Children will enjoy the map’s food symbols that note each stop of the possums’ journey. Readers will find her illustrations intriguing and believable.

Teachers and librarians looking for a high quality children’s picture book about Australia will be pleased with this selection. The text and illustrations accurately portray one image of this culture in a highly enjoyable fashion.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal raves, “Although the characters, locales, and vocabulary are thoroughly Australian, Possum Magic has universal appeal. Fox chooses her words carefully, making readers believe that certain foods just might be magical. Vivas uses a variety of techniques, including splatter painting and washes to create full- and double-page watercolor illustrations which complement the text and will entrance readers. A perfect choice for storytimes, but also useful for curriculum enrichment, thanks to a simplified map and glossary.”

Children’s Book Review Service writes, “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.”

Reviews accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Possum-Magic-Voyager-Books-Mem/dp/0152632247

CONNECTIONS
Other books by Mem Fox:
HUNWICK’S EGG. Illustrated by Pamela Lofts. ISBN 0152163182.
KOALA LOU. Illustrated by Pamela Lofts. ISBN 0152000763.
TOUGH BORIS. Illustrated by Kathryn Brown. ISBN 0152018913.
WILFRID GORDON MCDONALD PARTRIDGE. Illustrated by Julie Vivas. ISBN 091629126X
WOMBAT DIVINE. Illustrated by Kerry Argent. ISBN 0152020969.

Submitted by Kim