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Nature Study and a literary education combine together in this artistic masterpiece. Crowns of Fire tells the tale of the Gum trees that are loved by all. They protect the trees in the gully. One day a cruel Summer arrives in a furious temper. The gully trees cry for help and the Gum trees respond by making the ultimate sacrifice for their friends. This book teaches about bushfires and is also an allegorical story about sacrifice and pride. The gum trees give their lives to save the gully trees and the gully trees realise how they have been proud and they wish they could have the gully trees back. ‘It does not seem right that we should be as strong and healthy as ever, while our poor friends are all dead,’ said the Wattle sadly. ‘To think that we will never see their happy faces nodding to us again,’ sighed the Grevillea. ‘Or hear their merry voices calling to each other,’ said the Bottle Brush. ‘Life will be very lonely without them,’ said the Tree fern, ‘and I wish we had never laughed at them.’ Then there was silence, for all the trees felt sad and ashamed to think that they had ever laughed at their brave friends on the hillside. The silence was broken by a tiny whisper which seemed to come from the ground. It said, ‘Don’t grieve, dear trees, we shall meet again.’ (excerpt from Crowns of Fire)
This Australian bush story has been adapted from Amy Mack’s story, The Gallant Gums. First published in the early 1900’s. Cath Chegwidden an award winning illustrator has added illustrations that make this picture book a visual feast. It is sure to delight both young and old readers with its rich symbolism, imagery and exquisite illustrations. To view the first few pages click here. |
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Downunder Literature |
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A Picture Book about Bushfires by Amy Mack |
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Providing homeschool resources of enduring value |
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Only $15.00 plus postage
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