To The Bridge
The Journey of Lennie and Ginger Mick
Age 5+
Picture Books
The award-winning team of Corinne Fenton and Andrew McLean tell the story of Lennie Gwyther and Ginger Mick, a boy and his pony who crossed Sydney's Harbour Bridge on 19th of March, 1932 and marched into history.
Nine-year-old Lennie Gwyther dreamed of seeing the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With his father's blessing, he rode his pony Ginger Mick across Australia, inspiring crowds of supporters to greet him in cities along the way, as he made his way to Sydney. It was there that he saw the bridge that had captivated his imagination and inspired his brave journey. And it was then that he and Ginger Mick became a legend.
This inspiring historical story is about persistence, resilience, bravery, courage and hope. It's about pursuing a dream and the impact that journey can have on those who follow.
Creators
Corinne Fenton is the author of 25 books for children but her passion is picture books about social history. The classic Queenie: One Elephant’s Story (ill. Peter Gouldthorpe) was Honour Book in the 2007 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards. The Dog on the Tuckerbox, also illustrated by Gouldthorpe, was a Notable Book in two categories of the 2009 CBCA Awards.
Andrew McLean has been a full-time artist for more than thirty years. Andrew and his wife Janet have created many picture books together, and Andrew also illustrates books written by other authors. Many of his books have been award winners: he has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award three times. Bob the Railway Dog (written by Corinne Fenton) was his first work with Walker Books.
Reviews
Nearly ninety years later, this story is still as fresh and inspirational as it was when Lennie reached his goal.
Kids Book Review
Highly recommended.
ReadPlus
Absolutely a cracking book for your collection and so highly recommended for your readers from around 7 years upwards.
Just So Stories
beautiful rendition of a story that captures the heart and mind of both a young boy and a young country.
Sharon Greenaway Reviews
The illustrations in To The Bridge capture the essence of the Australian bush countryside and 1930s Sydney wonderfully.
The Blog of Dad
To the Bridge: The Journey of Lennie and Ginger Mick is wonderfully told. It makes this non-fiction story accessible, interesting and inspiring. I really think many children will be fascinated by the characters and events and will remember the story for many years, and perhaps even tell it to their children.?
CBCA: Reading Time
Corinne Fenton’s beautifully descriptive story To the Bridge captures the feel of the countryside, the struggles of farm life and the true spirit of Australia… Andrew McLean’s sweeping landscapes, his beautiful pen and watercolour illustrations add depth to Fenton’s story.
Read Plus
Wow, wow, WOW! What an incredible story this is. … What an excellent, excellent book!
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