Let the Celebrations Begin!
An inspiring book that makes the difficult topic of World War II accessible to young readers.
My name is Miriam, and this is where I live. Hut 18, bed 22. The younger children think they have always lived in the hut, but Miriam knows better. She remembers her parents and her home, with her very own toys. In this place there are no toys. So Miriam and the women come up with a special plan, to celebrate the day when the soldiers open the gates to freedom.
Creators
Margaret Wild has written more than seventy books and has been published around the world. Her numerous awards and distinctions include the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award for Jenny Angel, illustrated by Anne Spudvilas, The Very Best of Friends, illustrated by Julie Vivas, and Fox, illustrated by Ron Brooks. In 2008 she received the Nan Chauncy Award for an outstanding contribution to children’s literature in Australia. Her book Vampyre, illustrated by Andrew Yeo, was short-listed at the 2011 Aurealis Awards. Margaret has three titles in the Walker Classics series: Going Home and A Bit of Company, both illustrated by Wayne Harris, and Let the Celebrations Begin!, illustrated by Julie Vivas.
Julie Vivas’s first picture book, The Tram to Bondi Beach (written by Libby Hathorn), was Highly Commended in the 1982 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year Awards. However it is for her illustrations in the beloved Australian classic Possum Magic, written by Mem Fox, that she has become most well known. This book was Highly Commended at the 1984 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Awards. In 1990 The Very Best of Friends, Julie’s first picture book with Margaret Wild, won this particular award. Julie has since been short-listed for this award several times. In 1992 she was awarded the Dromkeen Medal for her significant contribution to children’s literature. Let the Celebrations Begin! is her first Walker Books Australia title.
Reviews
An outstanding book.
Kirkus Reviews
Inspiring … Highly recommended.
Reading Time Magazine
A tribute to the triumph of the human spirit even under the most extreme adversity … A courageous publication.
Magpies Magazine
