My Name is Lizzie Flynn
A Story of the Rajah Quilt
Age 7+
Picture Books
Based on the story of a quilt that was made by convict women on board the Rajah, bound for Australia.
Lizzie Flynn has nothing but her name when she boards the Rajah, which is bound for the penal colony of Australia. On board the Rajah the convict women were given a "useful bag" containing among other things fabric and needle and thread. The women were taught to sew and together they made the Rajah quilt which is currently housed in the National Library.
Creators
Claire Saxby was born in Melbourne and grew up in Newcastle. She’s lived in more houses than she can remember, and attended many schools. Claire is the author of many books including There Was an Old Sailor, illustrated by Cassandra Allen, which won the Crystal Kite Member Choice Award, Australia and New Zealand Division, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 2011.
As a child, Lizzy Newcomb would sit and watch her dad draw and hand-colour his architectural plans; this inspired her love of art. Sydney-born and raised, she spent most of her childhood exploring the bushland near her home and began a love affair with nature. Lizzy has studied nursing, travelled throughout Europe and Scandinavia, and run a business producing handmade ceramic pieces. In 2006 her first solo exhibition sold out and she has held an exhibition each year since. My Name is Lizzie Flynn (written by Claire Saxby) is her first book.
Reviews
…poignant story
Books+Publishing
An interesting book, and plausible story about the life on a convict ship.
103.1FM Grafton
I have long loved the work of Claire Saxby and her latest work is no exception – in fact it possibly my new favourite illustrated fiction book
Children's Books Daily
This wonderfully illustrated book gives readers an insight into the perils of being sent to Australia, and the industry of some in making the best of it, as well as a taste of what some of our forebears endured in making the forced trip.
ReadPlus
Hauntingly told and beautifully illustrated, Lizzie’s story will resonate with a young and older audience.
Readings
A well-written, poignant story
Pinerolo Newsletter
Saxby cleverly brings the quilt’s story to life through Lizzie’s eyes, thus personalising both the story of the making of the quilt and the convict experience. Her storytelling is complemented by Lizzy Newcomb’s illustrations, with their uncompromising caricatures of the convict women and evocative interpretations of the difficult conditions they face. This is an interesting and effective way of bringing history to life for young people.
Sydney Morning Herald
I have returned to this picture book a number of times. It is a fascinating story in itself
ReadPlus
There is a strong sense of time and place both through the text and illustrations. Every page brings the reader right into the story, from their departure, through each fantastic double spread.
Buzz Words
My Name is Lizzie Flynn is a brilliantly conceived and produced work, and the combination of words and pictures is divine. At the very least, this book should be in every school library in Australia.
Buzz Words
What a delight it is to come across an Australian picture book that draws on an actual historical artifact from the National Gallery of Australia and uses it as a means of exploring one small aspect of the transportation of female convicts to Australia.
Reading Time
Australian Picture Books feature
Kids' Book Review
