Possum Magic

Possum Magic follows the tale of a young possum named Hush and her grandmother Grandma Poss in the Australian bush. Grandma Poss uses magic to make Hush invisible as a form of protection, but then must embark on a quest to restore her visibility. The story takes readers on a journey across Australia's diverse landscapes, from cities to the outback. Along the way, Hush and Grandma Poss encounter native Australian wildlife and sample local foods in their search for the solution. This 1983 picture book features illustrations by Julie Vivas that bring the Australian settings and characters to life. The text maintains a simple, rhythmic quality that complements the visual storytelling. At its core, Possum Magic celebrates Australian culture and identity while exploring universal themes of protection, adventure, and self-discovery. The book has become a cornerstone of Australian children's literature and continues to resonate with readers worldwide.

Parents and educators favor this book for introducing Australian culture and animals to young children. Reviews highlight the gentle pacing and whimsical illustrations by Julie Vivas, with many noting their children request repeated readings. Readers appreciate: - Clear, rhythmic text that holds toddlers' attention - Educational value in teaching Australian geography and wildlife - Illustrations that capture expressions and movement - Cultural authenticity in depicting Australian foods and locations Common criticisms: - Some American readers find the Australian terms confusing - A few note the story moves slowly for very young children - Limited appeal outside Australia/New Zealand Ratings: Goodreads: 4.22/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) "The artwork alone makes this book worth owning" - Goodreads reviewer "My 3-year-old learned about Australia through this story" - Amazon reviewer "The magic element feels secondary to the food tour" - Library review blog

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🦘 The book was rejected by nine publishers before being accepted, and has since sold over 4 million copies worldwide. 🎨 Illustrator Julie Vivas created over 100 initial sketches for the book before finalizing the beloved watercolor illustrations. 🍦 All the foods mentioned in the story are quintessentially Australian, including Vegemite sandwiches, lamingtons, and pavlova. 📚 Author Mem Fox wrote the first draft of Possum Magic in a single two-hour sitting while taking a college course on children's literature. 🐨 The story was originally titled "Hush the Invisible Mouse," but publishers suggested changing the main character to a possum to make it more distinctly Australian.