The Useless Tune
Age 6+
Picture Books
A modern Australian fable, from brothers Chris and Paul Uhlmann, that captures the joy of giving and receiving, and the harmony that surrounds us, if we only listen.
All Maggie wants is to find a tree to call home, and has her own special song to offer in return for shelter. But the trees see Maggie either as trouble or as useless and tell her to go away. After all, her song can’t protect the trees from drought, or fire, or loggers. Maggie thinks she will never find a home, until at last a humble Scribbly Gum asks to hear her melody . . .
Creators
Chris Uhlmann is the former political editor for Nine News. He has worked in print, radio, television and online in a 30-year career in journalism. During two decades at the ABC he hosted a top rating Canberra breakfast program, anchored flagship programs AM and 730 and was the network’s political editor. He won a Walkley Award for broadcasting interviewing in 2009 and was part of a Four Corners team that won the Gold Quill in 2018. Chris has also co-authored the Secret City trilogy of political fiction, which was adapted by Matchbox Pictures into an award-winning mini-series broadcast by Foxtel and Netflix.
Paul Uhlmann is a Fremantle based artist who makes artwork that seeks to understand the world as a living breathing unity. Paul studied art in Australia and Europe on two year-long scholarships – DAAD in Germany (1986-87) and Anne & Gordon Samstag International Visual Arts Scholarship in Holland (1994-95). He has exhibited nationally and internationally since 1983 and his work is held in many prominent collections. He is fortunate to teach art at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia. Paul has wonderful memories of throwing the footy around the front yard of their Canberra home with Chris and his other two brothers.
Reviews
The language in this picture book is lyrical and beautiful, both in the text and artwork. The magpie is sad in leaving her mother but also ‘basked in her newfound independence.’ She is searching for a new home…This team have created a magical picture book, which opens the power and inspiration of music despite floods, drought, and loggers. There is a lot to discuss with young readers.
Reading Time
