Publisher's synopsis
Celebrating 50 years in print, this is a new edition of the classic children’s poem by Australia’s favourite poet, A.B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson.
Mulga Bill’s Bicycle was written by Banjo Paterson in 1896. It was written at a time when cycling was a relatively new and popular social activity. Cycles were ridden everywhere, including in the outback by shearers and other workers who needed to travel cheaply.
Mulga Bill’s Bicycle tells the hilarious story of Mulga Bill, who thinks he’s much better at cycling than he turns out to be. A resounding crash sends him back to his original mode of transport – his trusty horse.
Kilmeny and Deborah Niland’s delightful illustrations catch the mood and humour of Paterson’s verse with great spirit, and this book has become an enduring classic.
Awards
- Winner, 1973 ABPA Book Design Award
- Winner, 1974 Visual Arts Board Award
- Winner, 1976 IBBY Certificate of Honour
Complementary content
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A.B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson was born at Narrambla, New South Wales, in 1864. He practised law until 1900, when he found success as a writer, contributing ballads to The Bulletin. During the Boer War, Paterson worked as a war correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and remained in journalism, continuing to write poetry and fiction, and broadcasting as well. He died in 1941.
Bio: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
Deborah Niland has illustrated many best-selling and award-winning books, including When the Wind Changed and There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake. In 2006, Annie’s Chair, written and illustrated by Deborah, was awarded the CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year. In 2020, Deborah was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal for services to children’s literature.
Bio: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
Kilmeny Niland (1950–2009) was an award-winning Australian artist and illustrator. She grew up in Sydney and studied art at the Julian Ashton Art School. Kilmeny worked in animation, children’s books, wildlife art, miniatures, portraits, cards and prints.
Bio: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
