November 2018

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Creative Net

Dear Literacy Educator/Librarian,

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ACT Lewis Morley Karen Tyrrell Paul Collins Michael Panckridge

Craig Cormick Louise Park Lynelle Zita Westlake Michael Connell Julie Perrin
Tracey Hawkins Felicity Pulman Michelle Worthington Meredith Costain Cheree Peters
Simon Mitchell Moya Simons SA Justin D’Ath Andrew Plant
Stephanie Owen-Reeder Paul Stafford Ben Chandler Julie Davey Matt Porter
NSW Shane Thamm Katrina Germein Houston Dunleavy Judith Rossell
Deborah Abela Lesley Vamos Phillip Gwynne Hazel Edwards Jeannette Rowe
Stephen Axelsen Sue Whiting Sally Heinrich Heather Corinne Fenton Michael Salmon
Candida Baker NT Taylor Johnson Marjory Gardner Claire Saxby
Dianne Bates Leonie Norrington Claire Richards Scot Gardner Tony Thompson
Patricia Bernard QLD Lauren Nicolle Serena Geddes Renee Treml
Jess Black Kathryn Apel Taylor Allayne Webster Laura E Goodin Ian Trevaskis
Jenny Blackford Katherine Battersby Kristin Weidenbach Jacqui Grantford Mitch Vane
Russell Blackford Royce Bond TAS Patrick Guest Coral Vass
Charlotte Calder Peter Carnavas Christina Booth Susan Halliday Adam Wallace
Jill Carter-Hansen Charmaine Clancy Kate Gordon Michelle Hamer Gabrielle Wang
Gaye Chapman Emily Craven Sally Odgers Leigh Hobbs Kayleen West
Chris Cheng Gary Crew Steve Isham Stef Hodgson Dee White
Wai Ping Chim Aleesah Darlison Carol Ann Martin Sarah Howell Stephen Whiteside
Laurine Croasdale Brian Falkner Anne Morgan Michael Hyde Mark Wilson
Melaina Faranda JE Fison VIC George Ivanoff Lucy Wise
Susanne Gervay Sheryl Gwyther Marie Alafaci Nicky Johnston WA
DC Green Phil Kettle Goldie Alexander Bernadette Kelly Cristy Burne
Pip Harry Harry Laing June Alexander Jackie Kerin David Caddy
Michelle Heeter Foz Meadows Catherine Bateson Victoria Lane Kelly Canby
Nette Hilton Kyle Mewburn Robyn Bavati Sue Lawson Gabriel Evans
Tamsin Janu Josie Montano Krista Bell Virginia Lowe Mark Greenwood
Harry Laing Eileen O’Hely Susan Berran Deryn Mansell Josh Langley
Cathy Lane Elaine Ouston Sue Bursztynski Felicity Marshall Frané Lessac
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Nathan Luff JR Poulter Isobelle Carmody Maureen McCarthy Teena Raffa-Mulligan
Sophie Masson Dimity Powell Mark Carthew Marc McBride Den Scheer
Jeni Mawter Pamela Rushby Anna Ciddor Sean McMullen Leanne White
Dawn Meredith Kathy Stewart Margaret Clark Dave O’Neil
Kim Miller Angela Sunde Sherryl Clark Wendy Orr

For a full list of our authors and illustrators check out our website at www.creativenetspeakers.com
 Contents
From the Editor’s Desk................................ 4 Reminiscence............................................... 8 The Tiny Mouse..........................................30
Book Reviews – Paper Cranes Don’t Fly...... 4 Laura Parker, Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon, NSW Sophie May, Korowa AGS, Glen Iris, Vic.

2019 Young Australian Art Awards............ 9 Flight of All Sanity.....................................10 The Three Best Friends...............................32
Lorinda Brooks, Lara Secondary College, Lara, Vic. Freya McAndrew, Greenslopes State School, Greenslopes, Qld.
Ambassadors..............................................33
Jack and the Moon Ladder.........................10 Distracted but Aware..................................34
Taylah Marchetta, St Luke’s Primary School, Lalor, Vic. Sabine Brett, Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon, NSW
AWARDS FOR POETRY
Goodbye Maria...........................................11 Wonder of Mine..........................................34
Catherine Swemmer, Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon, NSW Emily Raftesath, Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon, NSW
Who Taught Me Body Hate?......................13
Emelia Haskey, St Dominic’s Priory College, North Adelaide, SA Alttayir al’abyad (The White Bird).............12 A Life Adventure........................................36
Reine Farah, William Clarke College, Kellyville, NSW Damya Wijesekera, Hornsby Girls High School, Hornsby, NSW
Bookworm..................................................14
Damya Wijesekera, Hornsby Girls High School, Hornsby, NSW The Emu and the Sun.................................13 Within the Walls.........................................38
Vassili Dorner, Bullsbrook College, Bullsbrook WA Damya Wijesekera, Hornsby Girls High School, Hornsby, NSW
Remaining..................................................16
Olivia Torres, John Therry Catholic HS, Rosemeadow, NSW Silent...........................................................14 Ready or Not...............................................39
Chiara Favero, St Luke’s Primary School, Lalor, Vic. Lizzie Graham-Higgs, Beaumont Road Public School, Killara, NSW
Finding the Beauty Within Each Person....16
Matthew Kriesner, Scotch College, Hawthorn, Vic. The Backpack Dognapper..........................15 The Best Holiday Ever!...............................40
Chittesh Jayasekera, Matthew Pearce Public School, Baulkham Lizzie Graham-Higgs, Beaumont Road Public School, Killara, NSW
In Elder’s Hands.........................................23 Hills, NSW
The Portal That Was Open.........................43
Taylah Winmar, Southern River College
The Bear and the Honey.............................15 Niamh Kearney, Scotch College, Mitcham, SA
In Love or Conquest...................................24 Euan Brough, Scotch College, Hawthorn, Vic.
The Halloween Night Fright.......................44
Joseph Prestia, John Therry Catholic HS, Rosemeadow, NSW
Twinkling Stars...........................................17 Logan Udy, Bullsbrook College, Bullsbrook, WA
I Heard Voices in the Forest.......................26 Anastasia Lambrou, St Spyridon College, Maroubra, NSW
Night Noises...............................................45
Ella Woodborne, Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Forest Glen, Qld.
Stories from the Dampier Peninsula.........19 Dante Crean, Helena College, Chidlow, WA
The Reef......................................................31 Christ The King School, Broome, WA
A Leap of Faith...........................................46
William Mustow, Scotch College, Hawthorn, Vic. The Ghost of the Parlor Maid.....................22 Flynn Atkinson, Scotch College, Hawthorn, Vic.
Empowered.................................................35 Kara Galgano, St Luke’s Primary School, Lalor, Vic.
Ananya Bose, Westbourne Grammar School, Truganina, Vic. Journey........................................................25 ‘All I Need’
Emily Kirkpatrick, Blaxland East Public School, Blaxland, NSW Front cover image by
Beauty Poem...............................................37
Tom Farrer, Scotch College, Hawthorn, Vic. The Arrival..................................................27 Taylor Trewartha
Agshitha Nirmalan, St Luke’s Primary, Lalor, Vic. Winner, 2017 Young Australian Artist of the Year
The Many Sides of Mr Banks......................46
Lydia Heazlewood-lee, Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon, NSW Escape.........................................................27
Jade Simms, Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs, Qld. Photo credits – ‘The Emu and the Sun’, p. 13:
Vassili Dorner (author). ‘Remaining’, p. 16: stuart-
AWARDS FOR SHORT STORIES Lily the Little Wolf......................................28 buchanan https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart-
Joyce Lin, Korowa AGS, Glen Iris, Vic. buchanan/6066806386. ‘In Elder’s Hands’, p. 23:
Trapped........................................................ 6 To a New Country.......................................28 Taylor Winmar (author). ‘The Best Holiday Ever’,
Alec Galbrait, Scotch College, Hawthorn, Vic. Maisie Fullerton, Greenslopes State School, Greenslopes, Qld. p. 42: Rudy Garcia/Qantas. ‘I Heard Voices in the
Forest’, p. 26; ‘Escape’, p. 27; ‘A Life Adventure’, p. 36;
The Key........................................................ 7 Welcome Home...........................................29 ‘The Best Holiday Ever’, p. 40: Frank Jones, Desktop
Jessika Bogoevski, St Luke’s Primary School, Lalor, Vic. Ashlee Palmer, Greenslopes State School, Greenslopes, Qld. Dynamics, Geelong.

Published by: The Selection Committee:

Australian Children’s Literary Board Managing Editor: ����������Carol Dick Directors: ����������������������Elizabeth Lonsdale
(an initiative of the Children’s Charity Network) Publisher: ����������������������Robin Leonard Catherine Veith
ABN 58 109 336 245
Finals Judge: ����������������Professor Margot Hillel OAM Gail Woods CPA
Phone: (03) 5282 8950 Australian Catholic University Rob Leonard (Executive)
Fax: (03) 4206 7811
Sponsorship Manager: ��Ernest Bland John McGuire
170 Forest Road, Lara, Victoria 3212 Advertising Manager: ���Trevor St John Layout/Pre-press: ����������Desktop Dynamics, Geelong
Postal Address:
Fund Committee: ����������Gail Woods CPA Website Production: ������The Media Warehouse
PO Box 267, Lara, Victoria 3212
Paul Warburton CPA www.mediawarehouse.com.au
Rob Leonard

November 2018 3
 From the
Editor’s
BOOK REVIEWS
Desk The Centre for Youth Literature at State Library Victoria has
announced the winners of the 2018 Inky Awards, Australia’s
By the time you get this edition of the
magazine, the CATs & SACs will be national teen choice prize for young adult literature.
completed and the exams will be coming
to a close. Year 12s will have finished and The Gold Inky is awarded each year to an Australian author.
had their costume and muck up days, and
sadly a last assembly. Friends made will be
lifetime mates. The 2018 Gold Inky was awarded to
Enrolments into Uni, TAFE or full time
jobs are busily being done. My youngest
Paper Cranes Don’t Fly
has just finished Year 12, with her TAFE
applications in and interviews starting. So by Peter Vu
I wish you all the best of luck in whatever
career path you are on. (Ford Street Publishing)
For the rest of you, Keep On Writing and RRP: $19.95
sending those entries in! ISBN: 9781925272765
ENTER ON-LINE Review by Laura Pettenuzzo sit in peace and still have the best time”.
at
www.ozkids.com.au Paper Cranes Don’t Fly defied all
expectations by being nominated for
Unlike The Fault in Our Stars, Vu’s novel
has friendship – not romance – at its
the Inky Awards, as a relatively unknown core, and the dynamic between the main
title from Ford Street, an independent characters is both beautiful and engaging.
press based in Abbotsford, Victoria. It is his friendship with best friends Tess
The fact that it went on to win the Gold and AJ that allows Adam to experience
Inky Award, beating such titles as Take moments of joy and light, even as he
Three Girls (by three well-known YA knows his life is nearing its end.
authors) is a testament to Peter Vu’s
extraordinary storytelling ability. It has The novel is predominantly set in the
been described as an Australian version present, but while he is in the hospital,
of The Fault in Our Stars, and while this Adam recounts several important events
is a grand comparison, it is by no means in his friendship with Tess and AJ. These
an undeserved one. flashbacks serve to reinforce the strength
of their friendship and increase the
The content of the novel is drawn from emotional impact of their impending
KEEP ON WRITING Vu’s lived experience of cancer, and loss.
(TYPING)! its grounding in a deeply personal
story gives the novel a depth and raw While it was written with a young adult
Carol Dick
Managing Editor
emotional hook that an author without
Vu’s experience likely wouldn’t have been
audience in mind, its appeal is much
broader. For example, I could see it
able to capture. The use of first person resonating with health professionals
narration creates a sense of immediacy seeking to understand their young
CHILDREN’S and allows readers to fully immerse patients, and with anyone who has an
CHARITY NETWORK themselves in Adam’s experience. interest in the experience of adolescence,
or terminal illness.
SUPPORTS CHARITIES The tone is gentle, and it renders Adam’s
AND ORGANISATIONS observations of his world, and his The novel seems even more impressive
gratitude for the tiniest elements of his when you consider that it is Vu’s debut.
WHO SUPPORT US! existence, all the more poignant. For With such a stellar first novel under his
example, I was struck by the following belt, we can be sure that his next work
comment: “You know you’re in the will be one to watch out for.
presence of a good friend when you can

4 Oz Kids in Print
Review by Ruby Carmody this narrative. It touches upon ideas of what’s made his life meaningful. And for
romantic relationships, even hinting at that, he’s eternally grateful.
Heartfelt and heartbreaking, Peter Vu’s the possibility of Adam and Rachael
Paper Cranes Don’t Fly had me blinking getting together if he wasn’t sick. Suitable for ages 14 and above, this
back tears more than once. It follows the remarkably written, moving tale of love
story of Adam Auttenberg, a 17-year-old However, Vu’s novel is more greatly and friendship strays from the typical
boy diagnosed with a benign brain tumour, focused upon showcasing the love “cancer kid” narrative in stellar style.
which becomes more aggressive over time. between friends, and how it is of equal,
Throughout his time in hospital, he makes or even more importance, than that
friends with another patient, Rachael, and of romantic love. Adam’s friendships
develops bonds with his nurses. His best are essentially what he lives for. He
friends, Tess and Ambrose, visit regularly, distinguishes his, Tess’ and Ambrose’s
and over the course of the novel, we learn bond from others’ through the realisation
just how integral his friendships are to his that “they can make [him] happy without
identity and his happiness. really doing anything at all”. While he’s
aware he may not have long left to enjoy
Adam is a good kid in an unfortunate these friendships, he knows that the love
situation, however he makes it clear that he and his friends have for each other is
he doesn’t want pity. He doesn’t want his
story to be defined by his illness. And
by highlighting the intricacies of his
friendships, both past and present, Vu
is able to tell Adam’s story in such a way
that the reader gets to know him on a
level that makes him so much more than
his diagnosis. Flashbacks to primary
school days illustrate the beginnings of
a love between three friends that’s only
strengthened over the years. It gives a
touching insight into a bond that’s stood
tests of time, distance and illness, and
highlights why Adam’s friends have been
essential to his happiness throughout
his life.

Vu was diagnosed with a brainstem

glioma when he was six years old,
which gives Adam’s voice an even more
honest and realistic sentiment. For this
reason, among many, it’s impossible not
to tear up when his situation begins to
worsen. The friendships portrayed in
the book are built on an unbreakable
foundation of love, and witnessing
cancer’s best efforts to undermine it is
heart-wrenching.

One of the most heartbreaking moments

of the novel is when Adam, Tess and
Ambrose take revenge on Tess’ ex-
boyfriend. The carefree rebellion the
trio indulges in is reminiscent of that in
John Green’s Paper Towns. Damaging
the ex-boyfriend’s car and driving off
into the night, Adam tastes a hint of
the reckless, carefree youth his cancer
is denying him.

Young adult novels often emphasise

romantic love as the be-all-and-
end-all form of the feeling, however
Paper Cranes Don’t Fly deviates from

November 2018 5
 Trapped

T
he wind whipped Tim’s legs raw still in the chaos he knew that if he didn’t to feel a burning sensation in his chest, he
as the helicopter soared over the jump out of the helicopter he would die. was almost out of breath.
Atlantic Ocean. The pilot had hardly He quickly rummaged beneath his seat and
spoken a word; in fact he hadn’t spoken a found a lifejacket. But there was no time But still he swam towards the wreck. He
word at all. His face was hardened with to put it on so he kicked the door open had to be cautious. As he looked to the
no signs of emotion or expression and and jumped. right of the ship he saw something glinting,
a long scar ran down his pale neck. His like silver in the sun. In three smooth
hands whizzed over the controls, like he Tim was quickly swallowed by the ice- strokes, he was there. He scanned the area
had years of practice. He gently eased the cold water. Struggling, he zipped up his again. It wasn’t there. It could have been a
rudder right to correct the flight path. Tim lifejacket and rose towards the surface. reflection from the sun, thought Tim. He
was travelling to visit his father because The sun was setting and it was now late glanced up, there was a shadow bobbing
he was a lawyer and had rented a home in in the evening. It was beautiful, the rusty on the surface.
Rio de Janeiro due to an 18-month trial in red reflected on the water and the golden
Brazil. Tim’s mother on the other hand had brown glowed in the sky. There was no way He swam up, staying at a particular zone at
chosen to remain in Australia because she to describe it. a time so his body wouldn’t buckle under
wanted a permanent home. the pressure. When he finally reached
For a brief moment Tim thought he saw the surface, he looked up. There was a
As quickly as it appeared, a strange light land to the north. He looked again but it navy plane. Tim took a long deep sigh
disappeared on the horizon. It’s nothing, was still there, he looked to the east and of relief, even though he was puffing and
thought Tim. The wind roared, louder also saw land. He glanced towards the wheezing.
than ever. The pilot tried to say something west, there was land there too. But the
but the wind drowned out his voice. The south didn’t have any land visible. It was As the floaters touched the water small
helicopter was suddenly thrown by the like a triangle. That was it, he was in the ripples were sent across the surface. A man
wind. The pilot checked his radar. Rain Bermuda Triangle. Tim’s thoughts moved wearing an army uniform opened the door
clouds gathered ahead of the helicopter. to what was happening in the city. He and offered a hand. Tim gladly took it and
Tim knew that it was going to be a bumpy pictured the accident all over the news climbed onto the plane.
ride. He made sure that his seat belt was and his mother frantic. But he pushed the
fastened and secure. The rain pelted thought out of his mind. What he needed He watched the water from his shirt drip
outside like drums. Suddenly the lights was food. on the carpet and trickle back into the
in the helicopter dimmed and the pilot sea. As he gazed around the helicopter he
was looking nauseous. His forehead was Tim took a long deep breath and dived saw a map of the Bermuda Triangle. Tim
sweating, his head swaying side to side under the water only to find a thriving read one sentence, strange lights have
and his hand was waving over a gleaming coral reef with colours beaming from the appeared across the Bermuda Triangle. It
big red button located to the right of the coral everywhere. He tried to find some sent shivers down his spine. That sentence
rudder. Then he pushed it. seaweed but the only seaweed he could would forever haunt him.
find was in a shell. As he tried to take it
The lights in the aircraft became dimmed out, he was confronted by a hairy blue Then as he turned around once more to see
until it was like midnight in the helicopter, crab. Its head was just peeking out of the the ocean before they took off, he noticed
and Tim could no longer hear the cries of shell and was clinging on the seaweed. He something floating in the water. Tim fished
the engine. The pilot flipped a switch and tried to rip it out of the crab’s pincers but it out. It was a dagger inscribed with a
said, “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, this’s flight the crab prevailed. He wasn’t going to get single word, “Trapped”.
1-19. We have lost all power, we are going the seaweed.
down”. That was the last he ever saw of the By Alec Galbrait
pilot as he disappeared into the darkness Tim scanned his surroundings. There Year 5, Scotch College
of the helicopter. Tim was temporarily had been a ship wreck, bits of wood were HAWTHORN – VIC.
blinded by the wind and his eyes stung, but scattered everywhere. Suddenly he started Teacher: Cornelia Koehne-Drube

6 Oz Kids in Print
 e y
e K
T h
E
mma paced up and down the stairs “I’ll camp here for the night.” Emma looked at the doors. There was 488,
waiting for the argument to stop. 2 and 244.
All week when Emma got home she Two days later and Emma had only a short
heard the same thing. Her parents never way to go until she eventually reached “That’s it, 488 divided by two is 244.”
even noticed she was home. She could where the key was. She climbed up luscious
never get any sleep and all she could ever green hills and walked through dark forests Emma opened door 244 relieved and
hear from the moment she got home was and she was finally there. She walked up to walked to the next test. In front of her she
arguing. a gigantic statue of a key. could see a large cat, with wings! It was a
black cat with the most beautiful golden
Emma went upstairs tired of pacing and “Surely this can’t be the key, it’s too big?” wings.
tried to go to sleep. Emma wondered.
“What is your need for this book?” asked
The next morning Emma was astonished Then suddenly she fell. Down, down, the cat.
to see a brown book on the tip of her bed down.
that had never been there before. Emma stepped closer to the cat.
BANG!
“Solutions to all your problems”, Emma “My mum and dad are always fighting
read. She flipped the book over and read She hit the floor feeling more dizzier than and they are always ignoring me”, replied
the back. ever. She picked herself up and noticed a Emma.
piece of paper pinned on the wall of the
“This book can only be opened by a rocky tunnel she was now in. “Mmm”, the cat started thinking. “Very
magical golden key, which only someone well”, the cat opened a small box and there
with a true problem will find.” “In order to find the hidden key, you must was the golden key.
pass one challenging test and then you
Emma tossed the book back onto her bed must convince the keeper of the key that The cat handed it to Emma.
and a small piece of paper slid out of the you are worthy”, Emma read.
book. “Thank you so much”, Emma said and
Emma walked through the tunnel and magically she was back at the giant key
Emma unfolded the piece of paper to find found her first challenge. There were three statue.
it was a map. doors and they each looked the same
except there was a number on each door. When Emma finally got home she unlocked
“This is too easy”, Emma thought. Three Two of them would be the wrong door and the book and sure enough it gave her a
hours passed and Emma was ready to one the right. solution and all was set right.
leave. She crept past her parents and
went out the door. The map told her that “There must be a clue somewhere”, thought The End!!
she needed to head north-east for one Emma.
thousand kilometres. Emma grabbed her
compass and was ready to start. She walked She walked up to the wall and sure enough By Jessika Bogoevski
thousands of kilometres but she still wasn’t there was another paper. Year 6, St Luke’s Primary School
there yet. LALOR – VIC.
“The right door is the answer to one bad Teacher: Mrs Paolini and Mrs Kovacevic
Then the sky started to turn orange as the door divided by the other bad door”,
sun slowly set. Emma read.

November 2018 7
 Reminiscence silver-plated teapot tea with unsteady mug and shuffled determinedly to the
hands, something she hoped I wouldn’t sink.
notice.
“Leave it Granny, I’ll do that”, I hollered as
Glancing around the kitchen, I noticed it I devoured the last morsel of the scones.
hadn’t changed much since my childhood.
The worn linoleum flooring had stubbornly “I have some papers for you to sign. It’s
stayed intact while the walls seemed from Dr Hammerstein and I’m sure you
murkier yellow. are aware what it’s in relation to. Being
your only relative, he informed me that
Unconsciously, I twisted my new Tiffany I could sign it for you, but I’d rather you
ring, a gift my husband had surprised me know about it before I do.”
with for no particular reason and gripped
my leather handbag more tightly. As I She started scrubbing furiously at the

T
he canary sun scintillated on the pulled up the wooden dining chair, I sipped dishes, deliberately avoiding eye contact
glittering waters as reeds whispered the hot mug as Granny chattered about the and accidentally flicking some soap onto
and danced in the zephyr. Pearly- past few months. Her eyes were smiling, her cheeks.
white clouds glided through the cerulean glittering and shining with ecstasy as she
sky like a galleon ship. asked me a thousand and one questions “I don’t want to go, Alexis. This is my home.
about my fast pace life in the city. This is where I want to die”, she cried with
Ding, Ding! Ahhh… the familiar ringtone droplets of tears in her delicate eyes.
of the brass doorbell to the small cottage It had been a warm, pleasant evening and
made me reminisce about my happy the orange glow of the sunset illuminated “Look Granny… there is no other choice”, I
childhood spent here. From within, I the familiar rows of gum trees lining said as the pang of guilt hit me in the chest.
heard the stairs creak as my grandmother her street. Arriving home, the bluish Touching her shoulder gently, I added, “It’s
slowly shuffled downstairs and opened oleanders were in bloom and the usual for the best”.
the mahogany door. She smiled when she comforting calm of the home dissipated.
caught sight of me; the corners of her eyes I still remembered when she told me on She sighed. With my determined
crinkling as she reached out to give me her my day of graduation, there lay a whole expression, she realised she didn’t have
characteristically warm and solid hug. I new world of opportunity for me. It had the energy to argue any more.
chuckled as she squeezed me tightly. been a delightfully poignant moment as
I had wished Mum & Dad were still alive “Okay, I’ll do it. You will visit me?” she
“Alexis! You’re home!” she exclaimed, to pat me on the back and tell me how asked with her pleading azure eyes.
stepping aside to let me in. I was hit by the proud they were that I had graduated with
strong waft of her sweet smelling lavender summa cum laude. “Yes of course, that goes without saying.
candle. The gilded framed family photos I promise.”
greeted me and instantly filled me with “Here sweet pea, try this”, Granny passed
nostalgia. As I stepped into the hallway, the plate of scones and cream. She blew her nose on her classic cotton
the sweet smell of warm cookies filled my floral handkerchief and stifled a yawn. At
olfactory sense as it lured me towards the Mmm… I bit into the soft, toasted scone, that moment, the crepuscular sky creeped
kitchen. relishing the sweet, fresh cream and upon us.
strawberry jam. Granny, however, only
“Would you like some tea? I also have took a small bite. I remembered she used “You should go to bed. In the meantime,
some scones on the dining table and your to be so beautiful and well presented. I’ll help you pack.” I assisted her to her pale
favourite chocolate cookies are nearly She would always be perfectly made up, pink bedroom. She instantly fell asleep, the
done.” Reaching towards the kitchen complete with hat and gloves and smelling wrinkles on her forehead reminding me
cupboard, Granny produced two porcelain of talcum powder. Now, her face was lined how fragile she was.
mugs which I had bought for her 75th with deep wrinkles with a hint of forlorn.
birthday. I noticed how much slower she My eyes focussed on a school photograph “Goodnight Granny.” I planted a kiss on her
was moving these days. Her wrinkled sitting on the dull, yellow mantelpiece. It delicate forehead and tiptoed out of the room
hands were gnarled bristlecone pine trees, was of my class, when I moved to the local leaving her sleeping peacefully, whilst guilt
and the sun rays that dappled her silver primary school here after she took me in continued to pierce my soul, the despair and
hair accentuated her senectitude. when my parents passed away. guilt slowly shredding me to pieces.

The shrill whistle of the steaming kettle I waited until she finished her tea before By Laura Parker
interrupted my thoughts. As Granny announcing to her the real reason for my Year 6, Ravenswood School for Girls
brushed down her floral dress and fixed visit. As she leaned on the table, using its GORDON – NSW
her rose gilded glasses, she poured the weight to lift herself up, she grabbed her Teacher: Sharon Shapiro

8 Oz Kids in Print
 2019
Young Australian
Art Awards

By Manna Tsuchiya
By Anthony Qin

COMPUTER ART
DRAWING

By Matthew Ropeyarn
der
By Kai Keul

PHOTOGRAPHY PAINTING
www.ozkids.com.au
The YoungAtArt website and the Young Australian Art Awards are an initiative of the Children’s Charity Network. All entrants must be no older
than 18 years of age or attending either a primary or secondary college. There are 4 categories: Painting, Drawing, Photography, Computer
Art. There are three age groups: Junior (Prep to Grade 4), Middle (Grade 5 to Year 8), Senior (Year 9 to Year 12).
To enter your Artwork you will need to obtain a digital image of your piece of work and submit this image on-line through our website at
www.ozkids.com.au.
To do this you will be required to sign up in order for you to have the access to submit artwork. If you or your school do not have access to digital
imaging, you may send a copy of your artwork to Young at Art, PO Box 267, Lara, Victoria 3212. Further information is available online.
 Flight of All Sanity out a minimalistic roll of string. I think
Tara and I realised what each other were
thinking, and in unison we said, “The
bands”. She immediately took control as
per usual, but again, I didn’t really mind. I
watched her take the string from my hands,
her fingers brushing against mine. Her
moves were careful and yet forceful. She
picked up my wrist once more, and I tried
to stay as still as possible, but I couldn’t
help my hands from shaking slightly. Tara
tied one end of the string to the hair band
stretched around my wrist, then gestured
for me to do the same to hers. I reached to
take the string from her hand, and as she
handed it to me, her fingers lingered in the
palm of my hand and I held my breath for
a second. I twisted and turned the string

W
e ran. We ran as fast as we smile and looked down at the single leather around the very same band I had given
could, and yet it felt as though glove I always wore. The smile left her face, her earlier that day. Once I had finished,
time had slowed down. and when she looked up at me I saw a fiery we pulled at the string to make sure it was
gleam in her eye. I only then did I realise tight enough, and crawled towards the
I heard the screams of panicked civilians, I was still holding her wrist, and she was entrance we had crawled through to get
innocents being shot down by the police grasping her hand around mine, her grip into this safe, yet cramped hellhole. When
forces. I slowed to a stop before I twisted like a vice. I averted my eyes from her gaze, we stood up outside and stretched out our
my head around to look at the world we which was stone cold, and yet glowed. I knees, I looked around. Nothing looked
were leaving behind, one last time. I heard suppose it’s a good thing it was so dark that different, but something felt off. Until I
the click of a gun loading a bullet, then I my blushing was undetectable. felt Tara clasp her hand around mine in
felt Tara grip my hand and pull me under fear. I had never felt her so terrified, and I
a broken piece of a tin shed. I looked up “What’s in it?” Tara asked abruptly. wondered why, until I followed her point
at her, and I noticed her startling silvery- “What?” towards the sky. It looked like it was on
blue eyes staring back at me. I heard her fire. It was blood red.
breathe a sigh of relief when she saw I was “The pocket. What’s in it?” she repeated.
fine, no matter how hard she tried to hide By Lorinda Brooks
it. “You, me, I, uhhh…” was all I managed “Oh! That’s, um, I don’t know actually.” I Year 7, Lara Secondary College
to say. “Thanks.” She flashed me a shaky opened the tiny leather pouch and pulled LARA – VIC.

Jack and the Moon Ladder

H
ave you ever read Jack and the you should stay so you can find out the
Beanstalk? If you have, would you terrors of Jack and the Moon Ladder.
like to be in Jack’s shoes? If you
said “Yes” then come to Riverside and see Hi are you still there? OK good you’re here.
how bad it is, you might want to stay in I knew you would stay, now let me tell you
your own shoes for now. If you said “No” the story.
then read this story and tell your friends
how bad it is to be in Jack’s shoes. There You may already know is my story, Jack and the Moon
is only one twist to this story, we will be that in “Jack and the Ladder.
taking a ladder to get to the castle on the Beanstalk” Jack climbs
MOON!!! up a beanstalk to get to I was driving to work just like any other
the castle on the clouds. normal day. Ha! Nothing is normal here,
In the middle of the cornfields you would As I have already told you didn’t get that joke did you? Anyway,
typically just see multiple rows of corn, but you Riverside is not I was driving to work on the fields. I was
at Riverside nothing is normal. Not even one bit normal and about to park my car when I saw a ladder.
people and yes, I am not normal (better what Jack climbed Now I know Riverside isn’t normal, but
to get that question over and done with). up was a ladder a ladder in the middle of the cornfields,
If you have a problem with that you can leading to the that isn’t even normal for Riverside. Now
close this book and go find another, but moon, and this dumb me decides to go check out this

10 Oz Kids in Print
ladder, so what do I do, I go check out disappeared. For some reason I really didn’t I opened the alien dictionary the alien said
the ladder. When I got there I think my care, I myself thought I could find a golden “Gyhdjhfdkivj”, which means “You’re right
curiosity got the better of me because I laying egg hen, so I entered the castle. on time it’s breakfast”.
started to climb up the ladder. I FAILED
TEN TIMES BEFORE I SUCCEEDED. When I entered the castle I was ready to As the alien was about to take a bite of
BEN, OUT OF MY BOOK, sorry that’s my find a giant there, but no, there were aliens. me I all of a sudden found myself in my
little brother Ben. So as my little brother I just thought that the aliens ate the giant’s bedroom. How did I get there, well I don’t
told you, I failed a couple of times before brain. Anyway I slowly crept all the way exactly know how?
I succeeded. into the backyard for the golden egg laying
hen. Instead I found a alien, he threw the By Taylah Marchetta
Six days later… I finally arrived on the alien dictionary at my head which I think Year 5, St Luke’s Primary School
moon and there was a castle, when I killed a few brain cells because I can’t seem LALOR – VIC.
stepped on the moon, the ladder then to remember what 5+2=. Teacher: Alanie Angelucci

Goodbye Maria
O
ne morning, as rain poured Then crawling forward, like a caterpillar ‘Asylum.’ Its dull grey letters screamed
down the windscreen of the car creating a chrysalis, she stretched her out at me. Then it all made sense. She was
I gazed outside the window, and hands around a lonely branch. Her an escapee. With a childish chuckle, she
watched a lady, with stringy crimson hair muscles tensed and her face strained. Her continued to scramble higher and higher
leap out of a nearby building. Sipping my flimsy arms tried in vain to lift her onto into the tree. Her flimsy arms stretched
hot chocolate, I watched, subconsciously the surprisingly comfortable ark. They as she leaned towards its outstretched
suspicious of her unusual manner. Her succeeded. She was now perched upon the branches that seemed to be welcoming her,
wrinkled fingers grappled around her very seat I had been on merely moments urging her, inviting her home. To a home
flecked handle, like the wind whistling ago. That is, before the rain began. But it she could never find, and never would.
through deciduous trees on a cold winter. didn’t seem to faze her. She giggled with
Hesitating, she fingered her thick crimson all of her might. She continued to climb. Climb like she had
bun. never done before. Climb onto the highest
A man with white blond hair bolted out of branches of the tree, until she looked like a
“No, No, No!” I heard her scream, as tears a nearby building. “Maria!” he whistled, flimsy origami pinwheel. Collapsing under
whistled down her wrinkled cheeks. She “Get back here now, you lunatic”. Then the pressure of the air; dissolving under the
crumbled down onto the monotonous he burst out laughing, “That’s right, you drooping rain.
grey, chewing gum spotted pavement. lunatic!”. His teasing voice was greeted
Then as if it had never happened, she with yet another scream from the frail Then it was too much. She fell. Pain
bolted upright, and began to creep nearer woman. He seemed to find this funny. It whistled out of her ears. Her mouth.
to the spiralling Jacaranda blossoms. She puzzled me. That is, until I noticed the Her eyes. Flinging arms snapped flimsy
tapped her perfectly polished fingernails dreary grey building that he had emerged branches. Flaying legs swiped budding
against its gnarled stump. As dark grey from. Above its cold gravel pillars balanced blossoms off sap full offshoots. The world
skies poured buckets of water over her a lopsided sign, stained by years of birds seemed to spiral into slow motion as she
few flyways, her nails’ vibrant red colour and debris from the viciously spraying fell. Fell into a world of new imagination.
provided a stark contrast against the tree’s ocean. Fell into a world of dreams gone astray.
bleak, brown bark.
Then her scuffed shoes jolted into a point
as her muscles tightened. Thud! Echoed
into our hearts. Into our minds. Into our
soul. The silent ‘Whee’ of the ambulance
drilled through our eardrums. As her heart
thumped, her nosy dirt encrusted fingers
crept towards me. A whisper flew out of
her bare gums.

“Goodbye Gracie”, her gravelly voice

strained towards me. “I love you daughter,
love… you… so… much…”

By Catherine Swemmer
Year 6, Ravenswood School for Girls
GORDON – NSW
Teacher: Sharon Shapiro

November 2018 11
 Alttayir al’abyad (The White Bird)
down with deafening sound. It was HHH
impossible to imagine what had previously
stood there, all that was left was armed men “The white bird flutters its wings through
clasping guns, shooting at the soaring the clear sky, a body of peace and
birds that were my people, snatching tranquillity that moves from place to place,
their freedom and life away from them. settling in tall trees and providing hope for
The many sounds of death rang in those who see it. Its feathers, pillows of
my ear, as if they were caged animals comfort and indulgence, its chirps, music
hungry for the blood of their prey. As I derived from the harps of angels, its home,
removed my fingers from them, the sounds the heavens, the only place deserving of
grew, and I squeezed my mother’s waist, its purity and innocence. The white bird
tears rushing from my eyes, running over flies. It flies away from hate, war and all

B
ANG! Pandemonium my dusty cheeks. other the immoral things that the world
erupted around me as throws at it, like an innocent civilian in
I took a look in the All of a sudden, the noise became silence. a battlefield. We humans are white birds,
mirror of my home in Syria, It was everywhere, and yet I was able to tied up in chains of detestation, and like
clouded in dust and smashed hear the salty water escaping my eyes and the white bird, we must fly. Fly away from
to pieces. I empathised with it, splashing onto the ground of my home. This this hate and towards the good. We are
the cracked glass providing a silence blinded me from the crashing glass white birds, tainted by the iniquity of life,
distorted view of myself; once a bottle beside me, fragments of it entering unable to remove it. We are white birds,
happy girl, a white bird free to fly, the skin beside my bushy eyebrows, blood the black paint of sin smeared across our
now a shattered woman, my pure feathers oozing out of my forehead. My eyes shifted feathers like a symbol of disgrace. We are
stained in the black ink of war. BOOM! in their sockets as I took in my home. The white birds, the crimson blood dripping
The deafening sound of bombs going off flying white birds had been replaced with against our white exterior, the knife of
became as present in my life as the silence bullets. The music of the streets had been animosity impaling us. We must take out
that followed it, the silent click of a gun replaced with the screams of civilians. The this knife, heal and start anew. We must
sending a bullet into one’s heart, the pain smell of argileh that crowded the night was remove this paint and begin with a blank
sending a shrilling scream into the air, my exchanged for the all too familiar aroma of canvas.” I was at ease in the presence of my
ears ringing with the sound of death. But gunpowder. This was my home. father, this story that I did not understand
no more. still comforting me, a story of the place
HHH he said we would go to. He wrapped his
HHH arms around me one last time and gave
My memory at school brought past me a kiss on the cheek. He whispered
The dulcet sound of the school bell emotions I had begged to flee from, “It will be better. I promise”. He stood
interrupted my thoughts, provoking the abandoning them in the ruins of Aleppo, up, and he confidently walked into the
movements of dozens of shuffling legs burying them in the dirt of my country, pandemonium, the white birds flying away
attached to 14 year olds hungry for escape a dead body resurrected at my school as I realised he was gone, leaving me with
out of the classroom, like pure white lambs lunchtime. I rushed into the bathroom of that promise.
freed amidst myself, the black sheep coated my home, clasping the edges of the basin,
with the paint of suffering, cloaked in the tears of misery tainting its white, glossy HHH
white cover of conformism. exterior. I ran rapidly through memory
lane, a vivid recall of the war on non- As I settled back into reality, there were
The sun’s bright heat and light projected stop repeat, the horror movie of my life no more tears, only acceptance. I removed
onto my eyes, gradually creeping away screening in my mind. When would I get my mask of conformity and bared my true
and exposing something spewed up an to the happy ending? colours, my father’s sacrifice opening the
immense feeling of nostalgia and rage door for us to live a better life. As the sun
within. As I took in my surroundings, My mother wrapped her arms around broke through my window, a white bird
I spotted a group of juvenile children my thin waist, my thick brown locks gracefully plopped onto the tree branch,
shrouded in ignorance, creating the shape trapped between our bodies, our close the leaves rustled and a light breeze blew
of a gun with their hands, mimicking the embrace creating unfamiliar warmth and through its feathers. Slowly, it flapped its
familiar sounds of them as they ran around comfort. “Do you remember the story of wings and flew off into the sky, like an angel
the fake grass that covered the oval. “Pow! ‘Alttayir al’abyad’ your father would tell returning to heaven, disappearing from
Pow!”. you?” she said, as she tried to comfort sight… it was all better.
me. The memories flooded back, leaking
HHH out through my tears. The story; a teddy By Reine Farah
bear I clung to for support in the hardest Year 9, William Clarke College
“POW! POW!”. The people of my town of times, a gift left for me by a loved one, KELLYVILLE – NSW
drowned in the dust of buildings, crashing was the last piece of them I had. Teacher: Mr. Royters

12 Oz Kids in Print
 Who Taught Me Body Hate?
The crevices in each thigh a sign of weakness
A moment on the lips
A lifetime on the hips
A never ending battle against feasting
And fasting
Analysing the calorie content of an apple
Wishing that I’d skipped breakfast
When did I stop seeing meals and start seeing sit ups?
I worship a goddess unseen
An image made of femininity and fine china
Flowing hair and a stomach like a cutting board
So picture perfect
How could I ever loathe what is sold to me
In such pretty packaging?
I can’t help but be vapid
When it is all that TV taught me to be
Just because I know it’s not real
Doesn’t mean I can see through it
See past it
Who taught me that my role was to never be enough?
Every rejection is a personal slight

A
Another nail in the casket long time ago, during the
Of my self esteem Dreamtime, Emu was a beautiful
Rest In Peace colourful bird. He was admired by
Cause I won’t all the other birds.
Cause I can’t
Don’t worry about me yet Emu was very proud of himself and
Because I don’t look sick became very vain and compared himself
I don’t need a gym membership to all the other creatures. Because all the
I need a break creatures could not match his beauty, Emu
Watch your peers twist into another standard to live up to wanted to show his splendour to Sun, the
Bodies moulded and twisted mighty woman from the heavens.
Unanimously ubiquitous
Untouchable and unreachable One day, to impress Sun, Emu flew up
Who taught me that womanhood was a competition? in the sky and when he was near Sun, he
The one who wins is the one who fades away the fastest started to dance in a frenzy of arrogance.
Another ethereal angel to gaze upon He came nearer and nearer to Sun which
Existing in both fantasy and reality at the same time made her angry. Sun glared at him and
The queen of butterflies the rays of fire in her gaze burnt Emu’s
Short life cycle beautiful and colourful feathers. The top of
Some days I wonder if I do not want to lose weight to be beautiful his head, neck and wings got badly burnt.
But to simply Emu was in such pain that he fell to the
Disappear ground and fainted.
By Emelia Haskey When Emu woke up, there was hardly any
Year 12, St Dominic’s Priory College feather on his head and neck and his wings
NORTH ADELAIDE – SA had burnt to half of their size. He could
Teacher: Shelda Rathmann not fly any more! All his colourful feathers
have been burnt too!

This is why the emu we know today is a

flightless dull-feathered bird which has
hardly any feathers on its head and neck.

By Vassili Dorner
Grade 4, Bullsbrook College
Bullsbrook WA
Teacher: Jacqueline Bikim

November 2018 13
 Silent
O
ne cold Autumn day an lot of things about them I’m not sure if she Nonna said loudly. “Not now Nonna,
unusual girl with an unusual body has heard bad things but she has surely actually can I have pasta with bread?”
was sitting at the bus stop reading heard things about them. Bean said.
a book. The unusual thing about her is that
she was INVISIBLE!!!!! No one knows The next day she was out They asked her some
what her name was. She can’t talk but she shopping for clothes and questions about her.
can do everything else like read, write and the three mean men were Then B ores said
more but the other things she does you there. She saw them looking “What’s your name,
can’t see her doing it. The other things she at something but what Where are you
can do is eat, drink, blink. they were looking at was from, How old are
HER!!!!! The girl went into you” then Jorgio
She lives alone in a apartment and she a shop to see if they were said “Bores, she can’t
has no family. No one knows how she following her, YES they were talk”. “Oh yeah”, said
got on the planet but she is so the other but then she went into the Bean.
people in the apartment are terrified of girls’ bathroom and the guys
her. No one knows why she is invisible followed her into the bathroom. The next day the girl woke
and everyone thought she was a superhero She was really scared here but up and she was back in her
or a supervillain. When she was walking then they started to bang on bed and back at her house
down the street everyone stopped what the toilet door saying “COME safe and sound and the way
they were doing and looked at her, if I saw ON LITTLE INVISIBLE GIRL” she got home was because
her walking down the street I would stop said Jorgio. “We just want to talk a brave guy saved her life
what I was doing and look no matter what. with you, come out”, said Bores. The girl from the three mean men and the three
She was walking into the shops one day slowly walked out and the girl came out mean men are spending their time in jail
and she was looking for some things for terrified. and the girl lived happily ever after.
her home and then everyone looked at her
again but then in the distance there were The three mean guys took her back to By Chiara Favero
three guys and their names were Jorgio, their evil lair but it was in their Nonna’s Year 5, St Luke’s Primary School
Bean and Boris. If you got on Jorgio’s bad house. “BEAN, WHAT DO YOU LALOR – VIC.
side you better start running. She heard a WANT FOR DINNER?” Bean’s Teacher: Alanie Angelucci

Body moulded into the armchair

Cheeks cushion-pressed,
Mouth half-open in dismay,
Surprise,
Ecstasy,
Until a moment of self-consciousness pulls it back shut.

Bright eyes set in a pale face.

Bright eyes scrolling consciously, unconsciously,
Down a hodgepodge of description, dialogue, action, explanation
Pasted with philosophical organisation onto a twisting plotline.

Hair either askew and unkempt

Or brushed left, right, up, down,
In some exotic, fanciful imitation.

Bookworm
And when time takes away the light,
The words are lost to darkness
And all that is left is
Pictures in a mind’s eye
Emotion inscribed deep into a multi-feeling heart
And midnight dreams on the end of a pen, waiting eternally for the right moment to surface.

By Damya Wijesekera
Year 9, Hornsby Girls High School
HORNSBY – NSW
Teacher: Janet Walker

14 Oz Kids in Print
 The
Backpack
Dognapper
A
s the clock struck midnight, the handler will be officer Staples”. Fluff and just in time to see a show assistant with
dognapper gained yet another Fang cheered with Chief ’s revelation. a name tag ‘Carlie’ carrying a backpack.
victim. And guess what?! The backpack was
“Now let’s go to the scene of the crime!” twitching!
Early next morning the police dogs Fang said Chief. “For months the Backpack
and Fluff ran to the Police Station. “Back Dognapper has been stealing dogs from “Stop!” Fluff cried. “The thief is down
off show dog and go to the shows where the talent show. We assume that’s where there!”
you belong!” snarled Fang. she works. And the stolen dogs were put
up for sale!” Chief exclaimed. So to make the long story short, the
“NO WAY” shot back Fluff as they Backpack Dognapper was caught and a
clambered up the steps. “I am the top “We are going to put a stop to it!” said Fluff poodle named Britney was freed, all thanks
graduate of P.D.S. (Police Dog School), but and Fang. to Fluff the police dog.
you’re the second to the top graduate”.
“OK, then let’s get going”, said Chief and By Chittesh Jayasekera
“Well, well”, said Chief. “It’s my top dog Officer Staples. Year 3, Matthew Pearce Public School
graduates! We’ve got a case to solve, so Fluff BAULKHAM HILLS – NSW
your handler will be me! And Fang your As they zoomed to the talent show, they Teacher: Ms Jokanovic
figured that they were late! But they were

The Bear and the Honey

and tall, with fierce knife-edged claws that wolves all tired and full collapsed under
could rip apart a young tree with ease, the cover of a pine tree.
stood solid by the pine tree. Both animals
thirsty and hungry, needed to drink and Bees flew busily collecting pollen for
to kill. their colony, but did not see the hungry
brown bear sneaking up on their hive. The
The alpha wolf lurched out of the bear desperate for honey attacked with a
woods beside the lake. He was swipe of his claw. It was all over. The bear
weak from not being able to eat swallowed paw full after paw full of honey
in days. He howled, it sounded and hive. After his fill he rested under a

T
he wind blew and leaves fell as if he was excited. Then behind him his nearby tree.
from the autumn sky. Birds chirped pack came slowly but deliberately. First ten,
as they flew by, the morning had then twenty, then thirty ghosted out of the The animals, relaxed and full, slept lazily
arrived. The sky was blue, no cloud could woods. They had spotted a herd of moose by the base of their tree. The sun turned
be seen. It was a cold, crisp day. grazing on the shore. This is our chance, from gold to bronze and the sky darkened.
thought the alpha wolf. As they charged at The animals woke and moved on under the
There on top of the hill, beside the lake, the moose they separated one. One by one cover of darkness.
was an elegant wolf. Its fur was soft and was they piled on the helpless animal tearing it
as white as snow. Pine cones littered the from limb to limb. By Euan Brough
moist ground. The little lake was teeming Year 5, Scotch College
with fish. Their silvery knife like bodies zig It was a quick, sharp and brutal end. Blood HAWTHORN – VIC.
zagging through the water. A bear strong filled the air and stained the lake. The Teacher: Cornelia Koehne-Drube

November 2018 15
 Remaining
Like all the other girls, she’d waved him off A flicker of yellow flutters to her hands.
Kissed his head, and clutched his hands Behind white, glassy eyes
“Come back safe!” she’d said. She tears at the seams of the harrowing pain
She lay in her white nightgown, waiting for sleep’s mothering arms Throwing the rags of their flesh behind her
And whispered goodnight. Straining to rid of their presence
Elapsing
How dull it is without him,
A hollowing emptiness, You
How lonesome the sun washed rooms. Who took away their youth and purity
How frightening it is without her, Do you sit idly by yourself, proud?
As mad shells plunged and dove, Proud you are of your triumph,
How deep the blood has soaked Leaving us to sink in the dust.
Only the soft remains of her touch can keep him at bay. The broken body of a child, left in tatters and shreds
He curled in his wet uniform, hoping for night’s silence The broken spirit of a man, no longer his
And whispered goodnight. The distorted daydream
He wanted
Spiralling down the vicious cycle Now rots in the cages of his cracked ribs
Between her and the dead man Where vines cling snugly.
He clings to what little is left of her
Her touch, her warmth, her breath, her – her – The last embers
He cannot remember Goodbye, my remaining yesterday.
Thinking only of the man who withered before him,
Drowning in a pool of red and white. By Olivia Torres
He screeches into the night. Year 9, John Therry Catholic High School
ROSEMEADOW – NSW
If only she could see him Teacher: Miss Siobhan Moore
Arms outstretched to the sky,
Deaf to the ringing booms and crashes.
As she covers her windows, hidden,
He gasps and chokes.
As she wanders the hushed house,
He cries out for her, begging to see her again
His woman, his love
As she whispers goodnight,
This is his last.

d in g th e B eauty W i thin Each Perso

Fin n
At first glance, you cannot see, To see all the layers, within each mate,
The inner thoughts, of one like me. It cannot be done unless you collaborate.

You cannot read, you cannot know, To explore the inner mind,
One’s true self, until it shows. First friendship, you must find.

Each person you meet, has four dimensions, By Matthew Kriesner

To truly understand, you must read their inner intentions Year 5, Scotch College
HAWTHORN – VIC.
Teacher: Cornelia Koehne-Drube

16 Oz Kids in Print
 Twinkling
Stars
“S weetheart, time to wake up”,
said mum, while stroking my hair.
“Why don’t you get ready for the park,
so when dad gets home we can go”, said
mum.
He hugged her back and replied, “Thank
you, sweetheart”.

“I made you waffles, with lots of Nutella”, It was getting dark now, the sun had just
whispered mum. “Yay, sounds terrific, I’ll go change!”, set, and the three of them were sitting on
Sophia said excitedly. the shore of the beach.
My eyes lit up, asking “With a dust of
cinnamon on top?”. A little while later Sophia was ready, and “Mum, what happened?”, whispered
dad came home just in time, they jumped Sophia.
“More like a snowfall on top!”, responded in the car and made their way to the park,
mum, ecstatically. that’s on the coast of a beach. “Sophia honey, grandpa has fallen asleep,
into a very deep sleep”, replied softly
I bolted to the kitchen, as I was getting As they were driving along the coastal mum.
closer, I could smell the beautiful waffles. road, Sophia pointed out and said, “Mum,
dad, look at how beautiful the water looks”. “Oohhh, you mean… he’s sleeping
Mum caught up to me, and asked, “Could “It’s phenomenal”, agreed mum and dad. forever?”, questioned Sophia softly.
I get a hug first?”.
Sophia played in the park, with a few “Yes sweetheart”, said mum while stroking
“Of course!” replied Sophia sweetly. other kids; until she looked over and her Sophia’s hair, and fighting back tears.
dad received a phone call. Sophia was
Sophia admired the waffles and then dug watching her dad have the conversation Sophia grabbed her mum’s hand in one and
into them covered with Nutella, and a over the phone and saw that it was a very her dad’s in the other; and said, “I want to
snowfall of cinnamon. serious conversation. She was slowly let you in on a little secret, when times get
walking over to her parents; her mum had tough, we will always come down here and
“Mum?” questioned Sophia, with a puzzled placed her hand on dad’s shoulder. A tear watch the twinkling stars together”.
face. developed in the corner of her dad’s eye.
Sophia stopped suddenly and was unsure Mum and dad nodded and gave a soft
“Yes, sweetheart?”, said mum. if she should confront her parents or not, smile.
she is only ten years old, although she
“Where’s dad?”, replied Sophia. understands people’s feelings very well; she The three of them laid back on the sand,
didn’t know what to do in this situation. thinking about Grandpa and watched the
“He’ll be back, he had to go to grandpa’s”, twinkling stars in the sky.
responded mum. Sophia’s dad finished his conversation and
he began to bawl his eyes out. Sophia ran By Anastasia Lambrou
Sophia nodded, and continued eating her up to her dad and gave him a ginormous Year 8, St Spyridon College
scrumptious waffles. hug, she whispered in his ear and said, “I’m MAROUBRA – NSW
here for you”.

November 2018 17
18 Oz Kids in Print
 Stories from
the Dampier
Peninsula
Christ The King Catholic School in Broome,
WA, is a co-educational school for students
from Kindergarten to Year 10. We currently
have enrolled between 60 and 70 students from
the Aboriginal Communities of Djarindjin
and Lombadina and surrounding outstations.
These books have been created by students
telling their stories of daily life.

These stories are told in their own Kriol

language which is part of our two way language
program where they are learning their native
Bardi language (ACARA mandated), as well
as Aboriginal language (Kriol) and Standard
Australian English (taught in literacy lessons).
The stories are about their adventures ‘on
country’ and make wonderful reading for
the community and their peers. We hope you
enjoy them as much as we have.

Photos, artwork and stories by the students.

November 2018 19
 Stories from the Dampier Peninsula

20 Oz Kids in Print
 Stories from the Dampier Peninsula

November 2018 21
 K
ara was shown her bedroom and always did. She couldn’t bare the thought weirdly, as if she had known Kara before
given some clothes. Not knowing of her mother crying over where she might in a different lifetime that she somehow
where she was going she slid up be. It would have been agony for the both remembered. She scattered away, like a
the East wing staircase, in hope of finding of them. A cold breeze from an open mouse running from a cat.
someone she could talk to. window chilled Kara’s neck breaking her
out of her thoughts. “Huh?” Kara looked around her, but no
Her mother had bought this house off one was there.
an advertisement on the paper – who She thought of other things, like… it was so
even reads the paper these days? – and cold and windy. Or… What dinner might “I must have been imagining things.”
Kara hated the old-fashioned, prim and be. But she couldn’t stop herself, from Startled, she continued along the hall,
proper sense that it had. Either way, Kara thinking the unthinkable thoughts that as a light flickered in the corner of her
had hated moving out of Sydney into the filled her mind with darkness and hate, eye. On and off… On and off… Until she
countryside of Melbourne. until there was nothing left but an empty thought of a tune to go with it, and started
room in her head, with nothing but a wall. humming it to herself, trying to make
“Isn’t the house haunted?” she asked her A wall she never let anyone get through, herself feel better about this place.
mum, in vain. because the last time she did, her father
had died. And she couldn’t let anyone close “What are you doing in my house?” a voice
“There’s no such thing as a haunted house, to her because if they die, she would feel cried out. Kara swirled around looking
Kara”, her mother had replied. lost. She was afraid. for whoever said that. But still there was
no one there.
But she never believed that. She was A women shoved past Kara to close the
determined to find a reason to leave this window. “I said, WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY
house, since the moment she had seen it. HOUSE?” the voice said again. Kara felt
Even now as she walked up the marble “Um, excuse me?” Kara grouched. sick. She didn’t know where the person
staircase, Kara wanted to scream. She was that was telling Kara that this was
hated this town, these awful flowers in “Lady Marilline at your service”, the her house. This wasn’t her house! This
white vases, everything! But as much as woman said gruffly, without expression. was Kara’s house, even though she didn’t
she wished she could run away from here, Her cold eyes burned through her, and like it.
and be free, she couldn’t ever bring herself Kara stumbled for words. She gaped at
to do it. Sometimes she would pack her Lady Marilline, before speaking. “Who are you?” Kara asked, eventually.
bags at night and jog halfway down her “And why are you saying this house is
block. But it would always end the same “Um… do you know – ah…” yours? This house is mine!”
way. Her quietly walking back in despair, to
this hideous building she was now forced But Kara didn’t get to finish because Lady “No! It’s my house!” The voice bellowed,
to call home. Marilline pushed past her again. this time from behind her. She turned
really fast.
It was the thought of leaving her mum “Ah… Okay”, she thought, moving on. She
alone that changed her mind in the end, it saw another person there, looking at her Then froze.

22 Oz Kids in Print
There was a girl in front of her. A girl that “Who are you?” Kara asked the girl. She “16, of course”, she glared at her. “And I’m
looked familiar. Like they’d met before. But circled her with curiosity and a slight assuming you are too.” She looked down
now as she looked closer, she saw that the cautiousness. at her toes, then back at her head, silently
girl had long, wavy, red hair just like her. scanning her figure.
“I’m Sophia Christopher. As I said, what
The same freckles as Kara and the same are YOU doing in my house?” the girl “WHAT! But it’s 2018 now! That means
thin lips. said. you would have to be at least 76! Only you
look like you’re 16! HOW!”
Kara saw she had the same odd colour “Your house! Since when was this your
eyes as her too. house!” Kara exclaimed with fury. “It’s not 2018! It’s only 1947!” Sophia
replied. She checked a newspaper on a
Gold from the centre, leading out to a “It has been since 1942”, Sophia replied table next to her, and gasped. The date
bright blue. sternly and coolly, “Now if you please, I on the newspaper was January the first…
shall see it that you will leave at once!” 2018.
No one could ever explain the colour of Kara looked confused. On one end, this
Kara’s eyes, or her long eyelashes that have was Kara’s house not Sophia’s. But on the To be continued…
gold tips. They just assumed it was some other end, why was Sophia saying that she
sort of genetic program. had been here since 1942? How could she By Kara Galgano
when she didn’t look a day over 16, just Year 6, St Luke’s Primary School
But Kara’s mum loved it, she thought of like Kara. LALOR – VIC.
it as a blessing from the Gods. Kara liked Teacher: Mrs Curtis
it because it made her unique, and all she “1942? But it’s a – wait, how old are you?!”
ever wanted was to be unique. Kara replied, frustration forming.

In Elder’s Hands
I see myself in elder’s hands, now is the time to show them I can stand.
With two feet firmly on the ground, Noongar Boodja my mother’s land.
The Sun will shine, my knees may fall, but I will continue to stand tall.
Stories passed down from them to us, instilled with wisdom, love and trust.
I walk with pride and talk with respect, only to know I was taught by the best.
For generations elders conquered just so the slaved could rise again.
Men, woman and children running for their lives on the day the first fleet arrived.
It is the black history not being told, that is 40,000 years old.
We tell stories around a sacred fire, letting the younger know where to inspire.
The land is my home for it is a tree, my culture will grow continuously.

By Taylah Winmar
Year 10, Southern
River College
Art Teacher:
Marc Bikim

November 2018 23
 In Love or Conquest
In graves of sand and dirt and stone and wheat, we wait
For the rattling of guns, or the roars of belated explosives to claim us in their chaotic symphony.
Is it in love or conquest or naught for life
Do we live to die by the hand of our fathers’ creed,
Are we to take aim to the broken reflection of men and women who stand before us,
Eyes of fear, as sheep to a butcher.
Do we seek the compassion of a country?
Do we yearn for holy conquest?
Or has life forsaken us?
Has faith forgotten us?
Does God condemn us?
Must we reprimand and rape the land
Because from its fruits perpetuates life,
Are we as humans so despicable by our own hand?
To a man in war, what is salvation?
Is it to die in a field of slaughter or the reconciliation of a nation?
To a child, who is their father?
The forgotten man who walks in phantom steps along crimson fields
Or is he the god who claims and demands his sacrifice?
The drums of war intoxicate the hearts of men
They play on to a selfish rhythm
A demon dances on the falling light
A day bygone, a night too long
For sleep to wrap and weave and sheath
Men of home and love
They sleep in dawn and dusk, the sands of time fill their eyes
Now only, an angel of blessing wakes them from blight
Day on and on, awake and tired
Clawing to the ceiling of a depthless grave
To no avail to no release
A sleep eternal,
To death we cease.

In life we bare steel

There are those who wield blades of self righteous justice
To the throats of men thought to be lesser
A society that chains truth to the contempt of the past
A generation stained
And upon that stain, buckled the fabric of compassion
Cut and torn and forgotten
A demon dances in the light
He holds my gun to my heart
He pierced me with my words
“Family above faith”
“Fortune yields happiness”
“Death yields death”
And on too that grave
Death, a thousand fold
Here in life, I stand on the precipice
Heaven or hell?
Through my actions I decide
To be at peace and content, free and unbound by mortal coil
Or to bear guilt and shame, lame and forgotten, isolated from love and hope
Does the weeping of this widowed woman fall upon deaf ears
Do the tears rolling on her sun kissed face reflect in blind eyes
Can her dirt stained flesh be felt by her blood soaked partner
In war we are the lame

24 Oz Kids in Print
 In war we are forgotten
In war we are loveless and without hope
In life of war we are subject to hell
Hell on earth, created by man
forged from hate and spite
We who are the damned
Left to wonder
As sparrows of fate in turretting winds of temptation
Is it in love or conquest or naught for life
Do we live to die by the hand of our fathers’ creed, are we to take aim to the broken reflection of men and
women who stand before us,
Eyes of fear, as sheep to a butcher.
Do we seek the compassion of a country?
Do we yearn for holy conquest?
Regardless
For life has forsaken us of false arms
faith has forgotten us who are wavered
God has condemned us for the selfish sacrifice of life
Was it in love or conquest?

By Joseph Prestia
Year 9, John Therry Catholic High School
ROSEMEADOW – NSW
Teacher: Miss Siobhan Moore

I was strong. I marched faster and a smile

stretched across my face. A stiff breeze
slapped my eyes but I continued, closing
the gap between me and my brother.

I could already see myself chatting to

adoring crowds as the shadow passed
overhead. I could already hear their cheers
as coldness gripped the caravan. When I
finally looked up, I could only see a huge

Journey
dark shape blotting out the sun and I could
only think one thing.

So that’s it then. It’s the end.

All my dreams came to nothing. All my

hopes for the future were a waste of time.
Because in the end, as the dark descended,

I
groaned stiffly and hefted my pack the city. Sometimes whole caravans went I realised I had no future. I closed my eyes
higher up my back. Ahead of me I missing, but I was determined not to be for the last time, fighting to hold back
could the see mountain looming up like one of them. Determined to make her tears.
a demon and didn’t want to be left behind proud.
by the rest of the group. Everyone was I wanted to be brave. I wanted my
faster than me and I knew my load might My thoughts returned to the road ahead dreams.
fall off if I didn’t hold on tight. I didn’t want as I nearly slipped in one of the accursed
to be laughed at on my first expedition. I cracks in the burning black rock and felt I wanted the life I deserved.
had been longing to join my older brother my load wobble and balance tenuously.
on the delivery service for years, and finally The sun beat down upon me, searing at my Nobody noticed the trail of ants that lay
I had reached the required age. Now I had face. But my resolve hardened like steel. I lifeless beneath the sun.
to not make a fool of myself. Breathing could do this. I was a part of the Delivery
deeply so I wouldn’t pant, I followed on Service. I was responsible. My life was just And nobody cared.
behind the rest of the group, and we trailed beginning, from here I could go anywhere.
up the path. My mother’s face appeared Do anything. Be whoever I wanted to be. By Emily Kirkpatrick
in front of me. She had been so worried Year 6, Blaxland East Public School
about me. True, a lot of members of our Suddenly the mountain in front of me was BLAXLAND – NSW
professional branch never returned to puny, a tiny obstacle in my path. Suddenly Teacher: Mr Bryan

November 2018 25
 I Heard Voices in the Forest
I heard voices from the forest, you know. The Fates, cruelly evil in tease,
They whispered quietly, The milky Moon, my beloved sister,
So mysteriously, so sacred and slow, Carries me with the breeze,
So I chased the voices through the forest. So I may find those voices of the forest.

As I wandered through the woods, mangled, The stars are imperative, I must try,
Shadows wrought over the Earth, As the pitch sets in,
The cold nipping my ankles, Painting over the bruised sky,
I pursued those voices of the forest. I continue to look for the voices of the forest.

Soothing as a siren with enchanting words, The Wiccan witches be awoken

Their call could not be ignored. By my patter around their hut,
Alongside the ravens and mockingbirds, Yet my Pagan brethren utter nothing spoken,
I wandered for those voices of the forest. As I search for those voices in the forest.

The wind was soothing, kissing farewell the ivory swan, They will cast many a-spells,
The critters inquisitive of my blunder, With their chants and herbs and poisons,
In haste, trees urge me on The Heathen ring the bells,
As I sought the voices of the forest. As I chase those voices of the forest.

My bare feet covered in mud, mess it lends, “Do not get lost among the bracken and weed,
Soil beneath my fingernails, Stay clear of the mountain’s forces,
The rocks and dirt were my friends Beware the nightshade seed”,
While I chased the voices of the forest. Says the voices of the forest.

I ran with the wolves, galloped with bears, The thicket is suspicious, silent as Death,
The stags willed me forward As the hares part way for me,
Among their herds; free of cares, And Autumn holds still its chill breath,
My chase of the voices of the forest. While I find those voices of the forest.

Their whispers too strong beneath shimmering hoods, Their cry demands me to run, it pulls me afar
My soul could not resist And I know for sure,
The summoning of the dark woods, That I shall carry the branding scar,
By those voices in the forest. That I am owned by the voices of the forest.

No clothes, no shoes, heaving the icy brunt, And suddenly I’m awake, sunshine through the curtain,
I run and run in So desperately I look out my window to the wild,
Unceasing pursuit, determined hunt And I am certain, utterly certain,
Of those voices of the forest. That I heard voices from the forest.

By Ella Woodborne
Year 9, Sunshine Coast Grammar School
FOREST GLEN – QLD.
Teacher: Mr Archer

26 Oz Kids in Print
 The Arrival

“D
ad, wake up”, said Anna photo of him, his daughter and wife, The whistle was blown. Time for William
softly, trying her best to not smiling. to leave. His wife, his daughter and him
cry. This was probably the last held hands, slowly William hopped on the
time Anna would wake her dad up for a William knelt down, and said to his train, their hands drifting apart.
who knows how long. daughter “Remember, I won’t be gone for
long, you’ll soon be with me in our new As he saw his daughter crying, he couldn’t
William woke up slowly, different thoughts home, Australia”, and with that, the three hold it back, tears streaming out of his
racing through his head. He got dressed locked the door and walked off into the eyes. This was going to be difficult, really
and sat down next to his wife, Mary, who distance. difficult, and he knew this was just the
was crying because she was already missing beginning.
her husband. William silently ate his piece Soon the three arrived at the station, many
of bread and put his shoes, ready to leave families in the same situation, but even By Agshitha Nirmalan
his favourite place on Earth, home. though William was upset and angry that Year 6, St Luke’s Primary
he was forced to leave his home town, he LALOR – VIC.
Right at that moment, Anna came running knew that Australia would be a better place Teacher: Mrs Kovacevic and Mrs Paolini
towards the door. William turned around for him and his family.

Escape
to see his daughter handing him only

W
henever I feel the need to trees touch the sky and the dirt is moist.
escape, I picture a haven, my The lush, green plants cover the ground
safe place. A place where the around me and the air is sweet smelling.
sun kisses my face and the sand moves Sometimes in this forest the air is hot
between my toes. It's a place where the and the trees provide cool respite, and
waves are crashing against the sand and sometimes the air is cool and the patches
the wind causes my hair to brush lightly of sunlight are welcoming to bathe in.
against my face. It's a place where the But somehow, I am still just as happy.
birds are singing, and my conscience is
completely carefree, and I am happy. By Jade Simms
Year 9, Siena Catholic College
But sometimes my haven isn’t there. SIPPY DOWNS – QLD.
Sometimes I am in a forest where the Teacher: Miss O’Brien

November 2018 27
 Lily the Little Wolf

O
nce upon a time there was They learned how to hunt that day and He looked behind and said, “You look
a little wolf called Lily, she was learned how to know if there was danger beautiful, what’s your name?”
only a puppy wolf. Lily lived with or not.
her mother, father and three brothers. “My name is Lily”, Lily said, “and what’s
Everyday she played with her three Now Lily was ready to live on her own so your name?”
brothers, they played hide and seek and she hugged her mother and ran into the
chased each other. forest. “My name is Blacky”, answered Blacky, “do
you want to live with me?”
When Lily and her three brothers grew up The next day Lily went for a hunt and she
a little bit they were no interested with hide saw a deer so she did exactly what her “Oh, yes please”, said Lily and she followed
and seek or chasing each other. One day father told her and got a very full tummy him to his home. Soon they became very
Lily found a frog so she started chasing it because the deer was so big. It was big good friends and had four more cute
and caught it. It was fun! enough for Lily to eat for five days. puppy wolves. They called them Fluffy,
Flower, Wolfy and Cutey. Lily was very
When Lily and her three brothers grew Lily was going well with hunting, but she clever. She did what her mother told her
bigger, they looked the same as their didn’t have any home to live and she felt to do and started a new life.
mother and father. So mother wolf said, very lonely because she didn’t have any
friends yet. One day she found another By Joyce Lin
“It’s time for you to have another lesson wolf called Blacky, so Lily followed him Year 3, Korowa AGS
babies!” and said, “Hello”. GLEN IRIS – VIC.
Teacher: Miss Louise Hatton
Lily said, “Mum, we are not babies any
more, we have grown up!”

To a New Country
T
he pillows push against my skin. know I would need winter clothes. The ‘I hope for the best’. And I do.
They are extremely uncomfortable boat rocks and I get another sick feeling.
to lie my head on, but I have nothing My stomach lurches. I see two boys look I try and sleep again, but I cannot, I
else to keep me warm. My small backpack the same – green. When will we get off this keep thinking of those men, and how
is not enough to cover my little clothed boat? It makes me sick to think of another they ruined my home. I hate them.
body. In Vietnam, it was warm. Here in long journey. It took us long enough to get They are the reason I am here. In a new
Australia, it is cold. Winter in this area to Sydney. When I finally drift off to a deep country, terrified of what could happen.
is bitterly cold. That young girl from sleep, I dream of gunshots. The men point I can’t speak English. I wrote this all in
somewhere, I think it was Taiwan, looks their advanced weaponry at me as I’m Vietnamese before it was translated. Even
over at me from her perch. She isn’t smiling. getting on the boat. I feel safer, but not safe. now I get confused with English. It is so
She pushes her tartan windcheater up her My home was safe. I wake up in the middle complicated and hard to understand, not
shoulders. I wish I had thought of bringing of the night. Everyone is asleep. like Vietnamese, which I found easy as it
that. My clothes are all in Vietnam, I did was my home language. The next day a
not have a suitcase big enough to pack all ‘Ngủ ngon,’ I say to myself, wishing I was man came and barked orders in gibberish,
of them. I could only fit a few garments, the same. This means ‘sleeping soundly’. well, that is what it sounded like. I did not
and they were not winter clothes. I did not ‘Tôi hi vọng điêu tôt đẹp nhât.’ This means understand why he was so pale. He needs

28 Oz Kids in Print
some more sun. I felt like saying this to ‘Mọi người đâu rồi?’ I ask to no one in
him, but I knew this would be rude. So particular. The girl in front of me turns
instead I said it in Vietnamese. I knew he around. ‘Họ đã đi đến nước khác,’ she says.
would not understand. I understand now, but I miss my brother
and sister. They are older than me.
He stared at me. I noticed his face was
even paler than his body. He starts saying ‘Họ đã đi đâu?’ I ask. She says: ‘Nước Mỹ.’
something to the rest of us, then he says I cannot help feeling sad.
something I can understand. ‘Thôi nào, tất
cả mọi người tắt,’ he says. Then when no The man tells us, in Vietnamese, that it is
one moves he says something else. ‘Nhanh time to keep moving. The line slowly starts
lên, tôi không ở đây cả ngày!’ He is very to shuffle down the pier. The girl in front of
rude, I am thinking. me turns back around. I take a deep breath.
In and out, in and out, in and out.
He suddenly turns to me. ‘Di chuyển no!’
I realise that I am the only one left on the I can do this.
boat. Everyone else is in a line at the edge
of the pier. They are all turned around, I can do this…
their eyes watching me. I try to get up but
I cannot. I am fatigued. Fatigued from this By Maisie Fullerton
elongated journey. I slowly get up. I can tell Year 6, Greenslopes State School
this man is getting furious. He pushes me GREENSLOPES – QLD.
to the end of the line. I notice I am taller Teacher: Mr Castle
than everyone else in the line. I realise they
are all children.

J o was filled with joy as she burst

through the familiar brown doors.
Jo ran her finger along the books as her
eyes gazed at the familiar titles. Five on
Treasure Island. Charlotte’s Web. The
favourite photograph of her and Oscar
behind. She tried to use her scholarship as
an excuse to take her mind of her loving
The house was in a dusty state, but it still Faraway Tree. She recognised them all. Jo’s little brother. Jo’s eyes closed for a couple of
looked occupied. She slowly walked up fingers tingled, imagining the sensation of seconds. She was ready. She pushed open
the wooden stairs, remembering how she yet again leafing through those pages as the creaking wooden door.
always skipped the third one to avoid a Oscar clung on to her with every word. If
loud creak. Jo missed the stair with a small only Oscar could see her now, where his The first thing she saw was the happy,
step, unlike the vigorous jump she had big sister as an – no, she had to put Oscar caring eyes of her mother. Her old, kind
once done. Eventually her white Nikes hit behind her. arms extended wide open for a tight
the top floor, and the unforgettable smell embrace. Jo wrapped herself around
of mild spaghetti sauce wafted into her Jo then left the cherished living room to see her mum. Over her shoulder, Jo saw the
nostrils. She felt eight years old again. The the room that had sparked her interest to photo, bordered in the same frame that
kitchen, the living room and the hallway return to the old house in the first place: she and Oscar had decorated together with
looked exactly the same. Memories rushed her bedroom. The hallway welcomed the colourful markers. It was made 6 years
back to her. She envisaged a little Josephine, young woman and a feeling of being a before the car crash. Like Jo expected, she
followed by a little Oscar madly running child again washed over her. She wrapped cried. But her tears were of joy, not sadness.
up and down the very same hall that lay in her hands around the disintegrating Her mother did the same. They hugged
front of her eighteen years later. wooden doorknob. The dust on her for a long time. Finally Jo’s mother broke
hands was ignored. Could she do this? the silence.
As Jo approached the living room, she cast Unless her mother had moved it since,
her eyes upon the grand old bookshelf. she remembered accidentally leaving her “Welcome Home, Josie. Oscar would be
She didn’t need to look proud.”
up to know about
the crack in the top By Ashlee Palmer
left corner, caused Year 6, Greenslopes
by a bas eball State School
that Oscar had GREENSLOPES –
mistakenly QLD.
thrown Teacher: Mr
i nd o ors . Castle

November 2018 29
 The Tiny Mouse
Introduction The Talk “Yes?” asked Lilly eager to know what her
On a cloudy day in September a tiny mouse Lilly was getting ready for bed, and she mum was about to say.
escaped out of its hidden mouse hole into was tired. It was an hour and thirty-nine
the wild, without being seen, heard or, minutes past her bedtime. She was now “Well, are you okay with all of this?”
most importantly, captured. nine, and her mum and dad were talking
in private. “The time has come, David”, said “No! Of course not!” answered Lilly.
The Birthday Pricilla quite sadly, “Yes”, David sighed, “I
On Monday the 14th of July, mother and suppose it is”. “Okay then, well would you like to go
father mice were inside of a gutter waiting somewhere else?”
for their baby to come out of the mother’s You see, all the seven years of Lilly’s life the
stomach. They had been waiting for 9 teasing had continued. Every night, Lilly “Of course!”
hours and twelve minutes with luck of no got into her bed sadly, and now the time
sorts but… when the clock struck nine has come for Lilly to escape this sad life. “Then pack your bags.”
hours and 13 minutes of waiting a baby
mouse’s head popped out of the mother’s “Lilly, dear?” Pricilla asked politely, as she The Journey
belly!! walked into Lilly’s bedroom. “Please come!” Lilly pleaded, “Please!”

“Oh, my!” exclaimed Pricilla, the mother “Yes?” asked Lilly. “I’m sorry dear. We just can’t. You know we
mouse. have work to do”, replied Pricilla sadly.
“Well, can I have a chat?” replied Pricilla.
“Oh, look at how, well, small our baby is, Lilly burst in to tears. “Fine! Wish me luck”,
David.” “Sure. What’s it about?” Lilly said drying her eyes.

“Indeed”, replied David, as you might “Look, Sweetie. You know about, well, “I promise to come back one day.”
guess, the father mouse, “She, or he, is the teasing that’s going on about ears and
indeed”. height?” “Farewell”, said Pricilla dabbing her eyes.

Naming the Baby “How could I forget?” Lilly asked, So Lilly went out through the door, into
After a month Pricilla came up with the offended. the wild.
name Lilly. Lilly Kilty. They called her
Lilly, because they liked the name, and “Well your Dad and I have talked, and Days had passed and Lilly missed her
Kilty because that was David’s last name. well…” family more than ever. She was tired
Now, enough with the names, back to the of walking and wished for company.
story. Everything looked bigger than before. Lilly
decided to sleep.
Teasing
Two years passed, and Lilly When Lilly woke she
was said to be a kid instead saw a blurry brown
of a toddler, or new born, but figure staring at her.
she still was tiny. By four more She concentrated
months, Lilly could walk, (without and found the brown
falling over at all) talk, learn and thing was a fellow
feel emotions. mouse not much
smaller than she.
All was well for Lilly at the Lilly introduced
moment until… Richard herself and the
Boemonek started saying: brown mouse
“Big ears, tiny mouse, did so too. The
Ha, ha, hee, hee, tee, other mouse’s
hee!!” Every mouse name apparently
thought this was was Mellissa.
a funny rhyme, all Mellissa said she would be friends
except for Lilly and with Lilly and give her a tour of the city
her parents, of course. that she lived in.
From here, Lilly’s young
years started going The Tours
down-hill. After Mellissa and Lilly were friends
for a while and they trusted each other,

30 Oz Kids in Print
Mellissa was true to her word. They went wearing a scrap of black fabric (probably “Okay”, said Cameron quite sadly and he
on a different tour every day, as the city from a black dress that was wrecked by left for the long journey home.
was quite a big one. Lilly was happy with the thorns) in which he was attempting to
Mellissa but she still missed her parents. make it look like a tuxedo, Lilly scoffed. It The Way Back
was clear he wanted to appear handsome Lilly’s paws were hurting more than ever
Saying Goodbye to her. He then mumbled something about and wanted to go home. She dropped to
After Mellissa was sure that she had his name being Cameron and if she wanted the ground and luckily landed on a soft
showed Lilly every inch of the city, it was to be friends. He was a chubby fellow and tuft of grass. Her legs had given in, just for
time for Lilly to go. of course Lilly laughed and said, “I’ll be the moment though.
your friend!”.
Lilly was upset that she had to leave, but “Should I or should I not go back?” thought
Mellissa insisted. Cameron mumbled a thank you and a I’ll Lilly aloud. After repeating this over and
come wherever you go. over again she took a big risk and decided
“You don’t want to be stuck with me to go back.
forever!” The Sad Shadow
Days passed, then weeks, then months, and As soon as she took one step she exclaimed,
“Well, okay then”, replied Lilly sadly. Cameron was still following Lilly silently. “Wow!” as a bird swooped down to catch
a worm. Just as the bird was to take lift-
Lilly walked away with her head down. At first Lilly didn’t notice anything but on off Lilly’s legs filled with springs and she
the first day of Winter she heard a small, jumped higher than she had ever in her
“Promise to visit me soon!” called out “It’s cold”, and quickly spun around for her life and scrambled on top of the bird and
Mellissa, but there was no answer. eyes to fall upon none other than Cameron steered the bird towards her home to help
Woonbonah the ‘mumble mouse’. her get there faster.
Sadness
As Lilly walked she remembered all the “Uhm hi?” asked Cameron. Back She Goes
happy memories she had with her now Lilly recognised all of the places they went
faraway friend and her family. Then after “Okay, were you following me the whole past, but soon she was home. How happy
she thought of her earliest memory, she felt way since we met?” was Lilly’s response. she was to see her parents and after the
a sharp pain in her chest. It was a pain of bullies heard her stories they never, ever
sadness, it hurt her and she felt like crying. “Uh, is that wrong?” teased her again.
She then realised it was the same feeling
she had felt when she was teased for the “Ugh, listen Cameron. Stop! I do not like By Sophie May
first time! Lilly walked on, remembering all you following me! It, er, just, uh… feels Year 3, Korowa AGS
of her sad memories and trying to let them weird. Yeah it feels weird.” GLEN IRIS – VIC.
go, when she came upon a plump mouse Teacher: Louise Hatton

The Reef
The salty seas, swish around me, The turtles hatch and scuttle forward,
the sand gets swept away. in the hope that they might make it.
Fishes glitter around my feet, The minute critters don’t glance back,
darting to and fro. because they know that it is their last chance.

I see the dark murky features, Every ocean in the world,

of a colossal submerged beast. deserves to be like this one.
It swims and swims and swims around, The ecosystem is alarmingly faulting,
snapping up all in its grasp. all over the world.

The rotted carcass of a shipwreck of legends, When I decide to go back home,

is inhabited by all marine life. I know I will regret it.
The timber dissolved centuries before, Even if I am icy and gelid,
by the powerful undersea current. here I feel I belong.

The pod of dolphins gliding past, By William Mustow

with all the beauty in the world. Year 6, Scotch College
Clicking and whistling to sing to each other, HAWTHORN – VIC.
all with incredible ease. Teacher: Cornelia Koehne-Drube

November 2018 31
 h e Three B est Friends
T
T
he school dining hall Daisy shouts in Kate’s ear, “Why are you
is packed full of kids who ignoring us?”.
are talking, shouting, and
making silly animal noises. “ME! IGNORING YOU! I
There are a few long, rectangular think it’s the other way around”,
tables which are full of students shouts Kate fiercely. “How are
devouring their lunches. Sitting we ignoring you?” ask Daisy and
in the middle of the third table Olivia together.
are three girls who are smiling,
laughing, and joking. The girls “I think you know how”, Kate
have been inseparable since says with conviction. Looking
they were very young. confused, Daisy remembers when
she was running after Olivia and
Daisy asks if Kate got her note seeing a figure walking out of the
which she had hid in Kate’s classroom and thinks it must have
pocket before school started. Kate been Kate.
reaches down into her pocket and
finds a piece of paper with Daisy’s code “Is it because neither of us were
language on it. Daisy and Kate always waiting for you outside of the
use this code when they send each other classroom?” “You guessed one of
private letters so their siblings can’t read the many reasons”, says Kate angrily.
it. Kate unfolds the note and slowly reads “What, there’s more than one reason?
the code written letter. Kate answers Daisy, questions Olivia in a worried voice. “Of
“Didn’t we go to my house yesterday?” really annoyed that her BFF didn’t give her course there’s more than one reason. First
Daisy replies “Mmmhhh, I think it would a cupcake but gave everyone else one. As of all, Daisy always only wants to come to
be better to go to your house again today the girls are thinking deeply about their my house because I have a Slip ’n’ Slide
because my brother is ill”. Kate mumbles friendship, the bell suddenly rings. Olivia waterslide and not because you want to
and looks disappointed. pushes in her chair and rushes out of the see me!” shouts Kate furiously. “I knew it,
big, old, classroom. I knew it, and I knew it. You two are much
Olivia is bursting to ask what they are better friends with each other than with
talking about when all of a sudden, the bell Daisy is waiting outside for Kate when me. I have been living a lie for almost my
rings and they all take off. In a hurry, they Olivia sprints out like a bolt of lightning whole life”, Olivia declares in a confident
all rush to leave the dining hall and line and runs down the steps. Daisy wanted to manner whilst pretending not to be hurt.
up silently for class. All that Olivia could ask about their problems but Olivia is too
think about was how Kate and Daisy were fast. Feeling upset and confused, Daisy “That’s not true and even if it was, it’s your
better friends. However, she couldn’t ask tries to run after Olivia to find out what own fault because you don’t treat your
them what they were talking about at lunch is wrong. Kate walks out of the classroom friends with any kindness or respect!!!”
because they had silent reading. and waits next to the art room for Olivia says Daisy starting to become enraged.
and Daisy. After a while Kate decides that “What are you talking about?” asks Olivia.
Whilst the girls are having silent reading, neither Olivia nor Daisy wanted to wait “You know that time during class when you
they all begin to think about their for her so she walks down the steps to the were handing out cupcakes to everyone
friendship. Olivia was upset because Kate dining hall. in the class except your best friend in the
and Daisy were better friends and she world?” Daisy looked Olivia right in the
thought they always had playdates without As Kate sits at the third table on her own, eye as she asked her this question. “It’s not
her. As Kate is reading a book about two she wonders why she’s even friends with what you think. In fact, it’s the opposite. I
girls and their ups and downs, she starts to Daisy and Olivia in the first place. After was handing them out and I was planning
feel disgruntled. She felt that Daisy always ten minutes Daisy and Olivia finally show to give you yours last which was decorated
wants to come to Kate’s house because up and rush over to Kate. Olivia tries with your name and I didn’t want anyone
she had a Slip ’n’ Slide waterslide. Starting to catch Kate’s attention but Kate just to see it so that they wouldn’t get jealous
to feel that Daisy was better friends with continues to chatter to the person behind but I dropped the cupcake”, Olivia replies
Kate’s Slip ’n’ Slide than with Kate herself, her. “It’s no use” says Olivia annoyed. Then with regret.
Kate decided that she would ask Daisy why Daisy tries to catch Kate’s attention but
they could never play at Daisy’s house. she just continues to pretend to ignore To be continued...
Daisy because it’s very loud anyway. Daisy
Meanwhile, Daisy is reading a book about stomps over to Kate and interrupts her By Freya McAndrew
the breeds of dogs, and stops to think conversation. Year 4, Greenslopes State School
about the cupcake incident that happened GREENSLOPES – QLD.
yesterday. Daisy couldn’t believe it and was Kate turns around to confront Daisy and Teacher: Mrs Young

32 Oz Kids in Print
 Ambassadors
 Paul Collins has written many books for younger readers. He is best known for his fantasy
and science fiction titles: The Jelindel Chronicles (Dragonlinks, Dragonfang, Dragonsight and
Wardragon), and The Quentaris Chronicles – co-edited with Michael Pryor – (Swords of
Quentaris, Slaves of Quentaris, Dragonlords of Quentaris, Princess of Shadows, The Forgotten
Prince, Vampires of Quentaris and The Spell of Undoing). His trade books published in America
are The Earthborn, The Skyborn and The Hiveborn.
Paul has edited many anthologies which include Trust Me!, Rich & Rare and Australia’s first fantasy
anthology, Dream Weavers. He also edited The MUP Encyclopaedia of Australian SF&F.
His recent fantasy series is The Warlock’s Child, written in collaboration with Sean McMullen.
His book, Slaves of Quentaris, was listed in 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die
(UK, 2009). His latest book is Harry Kruize, Born to Lose.
Paul has been short-listed for many awards and has won the Inaugural Peter McNamara A
Bertram Chandler, Aurealis and William Atheling awards.
Other than his writing, Paul is the publisher at Ford Street Publishing, a children’s specialist publishing everything from
picture books through to young adult literature. Two books, Pool, by Justin D’Ath and Crossing the Line, by Dianne Bates, were
short-listed for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards and the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. A third, Shane Thamm’s My
Private Pectus, was short-listed in the Territory Read Award. Paul spends much of his time travelling around Australia giving
writing workshops to students from grade four to Year 12.
Paul’s websites are: www.paulcollins.com.au; www.fordstreetpublishing.com and www.creativenetspeakers.com.

Anna Ciddor has always been fascinated by the question, ‘What if I lived in another time or place?’.
She changed career from maths teacher to author so she’d have the excuse to spend lots of time doing
research. She has written and illustrated over fifty books, including the highly popular and exciting
Viking Magic trilogy: Runestone, Wolfspell and Stormriders. Bravery, friendship, and a dash of magic
are the keys to these adventure stories, which are based on real Viking history. Runestone was chosen
as a Children’s Book Council Notable Book in 2003 and has been shortlisted for many awards. You
can find out more about Anna and her books at www.annaciddor.com.
Anna keeps in touch with her readers through school visits and her website, but she is also keen
to encourage the writing efforts of budding young authors through the Young Australian Writers’
Awards. 

 Meredith Costain is a versatile writer whose work ranges from picture books through to
novels, poetry and narrative non-fiction. Her books include CBCA Honour Book Doodledum
Dancing, Disaster Chef!, Daddies Are Great!, novelisations of ABC TV’s Dance Academy, and
tween series A Year in Girl Hell. Her best-selling series, the quirky Ella Diaries, was shortlisted
for both the REAL and the WAYRBA children’s choice awards, and has sold to 24 countries.
Her latest series, Olivia’s Secret Scribbles, features Ella’s ‘naughty little sister’, Olivia.
Meredith lives in inner-city Melbourne with a menagerie of pets, who often wrangle their
way into her stories. She regularly presents writing workshops for children and adults around
Australia, and enjoys helping writers create stories based on their own experiences. To find
out more about her books, pets and early writing years, visit www.meredithcostain.com .

Jeni Mawter (J.A. Mawter) is the best-selling children’s author of the hilarious ‘So’ series: So Gross!,
So Feral!, So Sick!, So Festy!, So Grotty! and So Stinky! (HarperCollins) as well as the Freewheelers
adventure series: Unleashed!, Launched! and Extreme! (HarperCollins). Jeni’s picture book There’s
a Sun Fairy in Our Garden was based on her family life with her three children. She has also
published fiction, non-fiction, poetry and verse narrative for the education market.
Jeni’s enthusiasm for words and books is infectious. She inspires both children and adults. With
a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature Jeni has taught creative writing at Macquarie University,
the NSW Writer’s Centre and the Sydney Writers Centre. She presents at numerous other schools,
conferences and festivals and is a speaker for the Lateral Learning, Show & Tell and Speaker’s
Ink speaker’s agencies.
If you’d like to find about Jeni’s books or to get some hot writing tips please visit www.jenimawter.com 

November 2018 33
 Distracted but Aware
I
ease myself onto a cold, dull bench in particular. “Run men, run. The Nazis Soon enough the ambulance rounds the
outside the train station. It’s a Friday are coming”, he screamed. Unfortunately corner. The siren whirls continuously and
afternoon and the station is packed though, as he is dragged into the past, the the lights flash on and off. I can’t help but
with people everywhere. I glance around man tried to run. All by himself. notice that one of the tyres on the vehicle
in just enough time to spot an elderly man has burst. Why haven’t they repaired it?
walking out of the train doors. His hands And most importantly, is that even safe?
grappled for the walking frame that he was The back doors open, and the paramedics
using and the wrinkles on his face strained get started. They open the stretcher and
with each step that he took. All bent down, place the man on it. As they wheel the
you could just see that his simple grey eyes man away, he looks at me. Hope and
were distracted. They were glancing right desperation are imbedded in his deep
and left, shooting mysterious glances brown eyes. Again, I feel sorry and sad
every now and then. It was as if they that the old man’s life has surely come
had a life of their own. His greasy hair to its final destination.
was flattened against his head and his
clothes were drab. But what was most What happens next… Well what can
interesting about this man was that his I say? I still to this day am not sure
left leg was shorter than his right. It is if it happened or not, but as the man
obvious that he was in World War II. is gently lifted into the doors of the
That explains why he hobbles around. ambulance, I think that he… winks
That is why he is so aware. at me.

I feel so sorry for the man that a pain in my That day, I feel something. Something
chest wells up. He walks so slowly; he is so It is all slow motion from there. He begins new. But something old as well. And now
fragile. Each step causes a great amount of to move his legs faster but trips on the every day I wake up and think of that day.
pain. You can tell that he is muttering to walking frame. He falls and heavily hits Because that is the day that my life started
himself. Maybe to distract himself from the ground. I hear the smack myself and I to change. Thanks to the man who falls in
what is occurring at the present time or know that it is bad. the train station.
maybe even to stay aware. He wants to
talk about things that are, so nothing is A woman runs over to him, exclaiming in By Sabine Brett
forgotten or overlooked. an exasperated voice, “Someone call the Year 6, Ravenswood School for Girls
ambulance. Quickly, before it is too late”. GORDON – NSW
Soon enough though the mutter turned Nobody moves. Her head swivels around Teacher: Sharon Shapiro
into a discussion. Then suddenly the old and she looks at me. She lowers her voice
man begins to point and yell at nothing to a shaky whisper. “You. Please hurry.”

Wonder of Mine
O
n the outside, the second-hand hair wrapped around it. She was wearing must be a very generous man indeed!’
bookshop looked something of skirted overalls with a long-sleeved
a shabby store, but to Marnie, it shoulderless blue top, and greeted me. ‘Man, you say? Dan, it was you, wasn’t
was heaven. Of course, working at the till it?!’
of the book-store wasn’t anything special ‘Daniel! You’re here. Look, come see this
to ordinary people or Marnie, but it meant new package a donor gave us!’ She always ‘Maybe.’
her lunchtimes could be spent reading all seemed to be excited about the small
of the latest fantasy novels in the storage things in life, like the new package that ‘Thank you so much! Anyway, I invited
room. I stepped past the doorstep and into had turned up on the store’s doorstep just you to come and see the brand new kids’
the small room crowded with old books that morning. ‘See, look! It has so many reading corner I decorated last night. Do
to see her there, cradled up at the counter new books for us to sell. I wonder who it you want to see?’ Marnie dragged me
reading The Mysteries of Evan Young. was!’ Her face lit up when she noticed her toward the back of the shop, showing me a
favourite book inside the package. ‘Daniel, room of kids’ books on white bookshelves.
Her wavy, brown hair was tied loosely in this person must have very good taste!’ The walls were decorated with hand-
a ponytail and her glasses were hanging painted trees that seemed to hang over
off her face, only attached by a strand of I replied, hiding that it was me. ‘Well, he various bean bags. It seemed as though

34 Oz Kids in Print
Marnie herself had been exploring this ‘I don’t know. I never told the manager, but ‘Of course. See you later!’
area, as there were many fantasy books he might get the shock of his life! I guess, I
lying beside the beanbags. All of the books was determined to make this a wonder of I stepped outside, thinking what a
had been sorted in alphabetical order, mine, a place where children can explore wonderful person she is to the bookstore.
like they do in normal bookstores. Paint the world of reading in a cosy, inviting How the store could live without her, a
buckets sat on tops of shelves with different spot. Children used to be scared to look person passionate about books, I could
size brushes resting inside. for books here, now I hope they feel free.’ never know.
Marnie smiled, admiring her work. ‘I feel,
‘Amazing! How did you do all of this in accomplished. Now, I feel like getting back By Emily Raftesath
one night? This place – it used to look like to The Mysteries of Evan Young. I’ll see you Year 6, Ravenswood School for Girls
a run-down workshop!’ later. Maybe?’ GORDON – NSW
Teacher: Sharon Shapiro

Empowered
Walking down an alleyway with fear of the unknown, Why do I deserve this, I want to end it all,
Darkness shadows over me like everything is gone. Ending my miseries, surely this fall
The pinprick of anxiousness washes over me, No one will miss me in this toxic air,
Someone show me light, so I can be set free. No one will bother to even shed a tear

The silent, slithering suffering of my delicate mind, But God sent us from above to Earth for a reason,
The fear of being judged, I can never leave it behind. Why can’t I smell the roses and cherish the seasons?
It’s a bucket full of water, a slight tip and it may overflow, Am I that weak to escape from it the easy way,
But when it happens, you never know. I am not a coward so foolish to run away.

Drowning in the deep blue sea of all feelings heightened, Egregious thoughts may cloud my mind,
The world spinning endlessly; I’ve never been more frightened. But it’s the jovial ones that I must find.
Fingernails painstakingly digging into my soft palms, Buried beneath the loneliness, pain and sadness,
A rollercoaster so agonising it causes petrifying alarm. Is a spark of jubilation, happiness and gladness.

Panic in my blood and panic in my veins, I hope I will have friends and someone special to kiss,
My body is cursed under an everlasting reign. I can turn my life from misery to bliss.
Loneliness and fear engulfed the whole of me, Walking down that once dark alley full of fright,
My world is brutally dark that I can never flee. Now I can shed some radiating light.

The empty sadness of having no friends, The hollowness within my soul I once was feeling
It seems impossible to make any amends, Has been filled with an inner strength which can do some healing.
Why do I have a broken, and harrowing family? My willpower and ebullience is now for the world to see,
Sucked slowly out of me, I lost all sense of sanity. I have finally found myself, and have been set free!

By Ananya Bose
Year 8, Westbourne Grammar School
TRUGANINA – VIC.

November 2018 35
 A Life Adventure
I
t was a beautiful day in Vietnam. short break, helping himself to a mouthful For weeks, the fishing boat ventured out
The sun shone in the bright blue sky. of dried rice cakes and a few gulps of water, towards the unknown horizon. His food
It was like Vietnam was completely which already tasted stale. For the next few and water were running low and he was
peaceful. But it was not – everywhere you days he went like this, stopping at a village worried for he did not know how much
looked you could see the hollow faces to get supplies. longer the journey would take. Soon,
of resignation and sadness. The smell of Max felt like his stomach was caving in.
smoke and gunpowder clogged the air. It took him and the other youngsters The other fisherman and youngsters on
The village was on high alert but still, one eighteen days to get to the harbour. They the boat were also running out of food.
of its inhabitants was dreaming of another then befriended some fisherman who then One of the youngsters was so weak, lying
world. His name was Max. Max was a short took them on a boat ride. motionless, sometimes gripping with pain,
fifteen-year-old boy; he had sleek black eyes staring blankly. Slowly, starvation
hair and dark almost black eyes. He was The sea was breathtakingly beautiful. The gripped him. Max and his boat mates
the youngest of four siblings – one boy and boat rocked gently with every wave. Max watched in despair, pain gripped their
three girls. Max’s father had died in the felt so alive, so free. Suddenly, he thought hearts as they watched their mate passed
war, leaving his Mother to care for them of his Mum, hard working each day, selling away. A dark silence filled the air as they
all on her own. household accessories at their little store, threw his dead body overboard.
earning very little but constantly being
Max has heard of the land of Coca hassled by Vietnamese soldiers of how Weeks passed, the sense of adventure
Cola and French Fries, of boys playing much weekly takings she had so that they turned to fear and despair as they realised
soccer and tennis. Adventure filled his could take a portion from her earnings. that they were too far away from their
imagination. Thinking that it was just a His heart ached for his Mum’s hugs and well-known waters. Despite no sense of
game, he left to join other youngsters on the chattering of his brothers and sisters. where they were heading, miraculously
a quest for this land beyond. Little did he How he wished they could be with him they drifted towards land. Max heard that
know of the gamble he took on his life and experience the cool fresh sea breeze as it was called Australia.
when he set off on the long journey to the the boat rode the waves. In his eagerness
docks with some other youngsters, thirsty for adventures, he had left home, not As Max was still not an adult, he was taken
for adventures. realising that it would be years before he’d to a home where there were many other
see his family again. He quickly pushed the youngsters. Max lived with seven other
After a few hours of nonstop walking his thoughts of his family away and fixed his people, all of them older then him. It was
legs started to feel like lead, the sun beat mind to that moment. After a few days on awfully cramped in the house, but people
down on him as he walked towards a the boat he got used to it. He did not even were kind to him. He was given food and
clump of trees. He allowed himself to take a feel the waves. clothing and was taught English for the

36 Oz Kids in Print
first few months. After that all youngsters On weekends Max laboured on farms, Years passed and Max then graduated as
were encouraged to work to support sometimes picking strawberries and other a Scientist and Engineer. The first job he
themselves. times cherries. He would go on a bus that went for was a scientist but he did not get
had no seats. It was so cramped everyone it. The more jobs he tried but the more
And so began his adventures in Australia – had to balance on one foot just to make he failed. Many times he felt so hopeless,
yes there was Coca Cola and potato chips room. There were days, which were so cold thinking miserably “I might as well go back
but also freezing cold days and nights. that his hands were numb as he plucked to fruit picking!”. But the thought of seeing
How he missed the constant hot sun and the strawberries or cherries. Many times his Mum and brother and sisters again
of course yummy rice! he dropped some, wincing as the angry one day, kept him trying and trying. He
farmer hit him on the back. He had to was as determined as when he left for his
For the first few years, Max went to Westall pick many buckets full of strawberries or adventure for the land of Coca Cola and
High School. During the week, he worked cherries just enough to earn $50 to $100 French Fries many years ago.
hard in school. His favourite subjects were a day. There were days when his back and
Maths and Science. English was very hard legs were so sore that he could only crawl At last, one cool summer day, he was
for him. He wished he could speak English into bed at night. offered an Engineering position at Dunlop.
more fluently so he could communicate The Engineer job earned way more than
with the teachers and other kids. At first, Life was hard, but the thought of saving fruit picking ever did!
he felt lost and lonely. Luckily, he was enough money so that he could send back
not alone. On his first day, Luis, another to help his family in Vietnam, kept him Whatever Max earned he saved and
Vietnamese boy, was the first to come going. His ultimate hope was to someday, finally he could buy his family a passage
over and asked “Do you want to play with sponsor his Mum and siblings over to to Australia – Fifteen years after arriving
us?”. Australia. While Max worked hard to in Australia, Max bought a boat and sent
earn money from picking fruits, he also it across the ocean to Vietnam. After a few
“Yes I do!” with tremendous relief, Max studied real hard so that he could get into months, it returned with a load of people
excitedly replied. University. and among them were Max’s mother,
brother and sisters. Now he can continue
From then on Max played soccer with Finally, Max got into Science and his life adventures with his family!
Luis and his friends. Luis and Max always Engineering at Monash University. It was
supported each other. They both became then that he gave up his weekend fruit The End
life long friends for many years to come. As picking jobs and only looked for jobs in
for school life at Westall High – it was such factories during the Semester breaks. By Damya Wijesekera
a delight and full of treasured memories. Year 9, Hornsby Girls High School
There were happy times when he was lucky Max was relieved that he was leaving HORNSBY – NSW
enough to play soccer and he even learnt his fruit picking years behind him. He Teacher: Janet Walker
to play basketball and tennis. continued to work while studying so he
could save enough money for his family
in Vietnam.

Beauty Poem
Beauty is found deep within everything
It doesn’t matter what it looks like at first glance
By Tom Farrer
It is found in the greatest of sights and smells Year 6, Scotch College
But beauty is also found in times of despair and darkness HAWTHORN – VIC.
Teacher:
Everyone sees beauty differently Cornelia Koehne-Drube
An athlete will see it in power and technique
An artist will see it in colours and patterns
And a chef will find beauty in taste and texture

You can see beauty twice in the same thing

A piece of technology is stunningly advanced
A little chip or wire inside is just as amazing
Altogether they make the full beauty

There is so much beauty in the world

There is some you can see and some you can feel
There is also some found inside people
Beautiful temperaments and heartwarming personalities

November 2018 37
 Within the Walls
Half past eleven. of hot, dusty breeze rolled around her. As misery, and most probably was unaware
she climbed the gentle slope, she saw a bird that so many good people hated him with
Midaka pushed back her chair and looked chase a doomed prairie rabbit, its claws a passion.
at the uneven square of sack-cloth she making sharp scuttling noises. It was one
had been brushing for the past two hours. of the wild, free midaka eagles which she Suddenly Midaka stood up. Her break was
Another hour of determined brushing was auspiciously named after. These birds now over, but when she started walking she
would make the still-stiff material as were so powerful that they were deeply did not head back to the shop, but instead
thick and shaggy as the furs worn inside respected and feared by man and animal to the north, in the direction of the Walls.
the Walls. alike. They were as plentiful as prairie A stubborn, weary trudge left her as far as
grass, and though most were as big as a she could come, just outside the Walls. She
She stood up, the chair scraping against the dog, and their chicks even smaller than would not have gone any further even if
wooden floor. The gravelly noise roused a kitten, some rare ones were even larger she could have, because a massive field of
Big Jak from a half-slumber at his table in than a wagon. Though she, like her parents rubbish and ashes, dumped outside from
the middle of the shop-room. He blinked and grandparents before them, had lived within the Walls, stood in her way.
clumsily, then leered at her. outside of the Walls all her life, Midaka
had only ever seen such large midaka Midaka bent and picked up a half-shaped
“ ’Arf-time, isit, eh! Midaka miz’, eh?” His eagles once or twice, and even then only handful; once a relic of the rubbish dump,
voice was hoarse and hollow, and every eh! from such a distance that they appeared but now only dirt. As she let it crumble
was a deep resonant boom. “May der land no bigger than a fingernail. Meeting one and sift back through her fingers, Midaka
blez der king, wha’ever he do, eh?” guaranteed a certain death. realised how similar it was to a person; “It
was made, it did its duty, and it was thrown
Midaka stepped out of the cool, dark shop, With the heavy sky hanging over her, away”, she whispered. She recollected vivid
eyes on the horizon, absently kicking the Midaka’s thoughts grew hazy. ‘I wonder memories of animal carcasses which time
door shut on the echo of his rasping laugh. why he said for the land to bless the King, had made so fragile that the wind could
Working for Big Jak was neither a pleasure, instead of the people.’ blow them to dust.
nor her own idea, and she relished the
fifteen minutes of freedom she received Had the King been mentioned to any other “We are all born of the land, we live in and
every day at half-time. She did not want person outside of the Walls, the comment with and on the land, and eventually we
to even speak to Big Jak, because she felt, would be received with much distaste, and return to it. It is the same for everyone,
by her own instinct rather than anyone often hate. Long ago, a King of the past had King or outcast, within or without Walls.
else’s, that he was a dangerous man. exiled a number of citizens outside of the The land is greater than all of us, and is
Everyone said he was a fool, to start up Walls, which bounded a cool, decorous more king than any emperor.”
a business here, but Midaka thought that and elysian city for the ‘deserving’. The
it took someone very clever, very brave city had a name, but it was not one that Just as Midaka’s words fell softly onto the
and perhaps more than a little unkind to Midaka remembered nor had heard being grass, a shadow made her look up.
recognise that even poor, exiled farmers used. The outcasts quickly learnt that the
were people, and would rely upon his only way in which to survive with their There stood a midaka eagle, many times
crude shop of soaps and tins and other meagre rations was to farm the fruitless larger than her, towering up in a massive
things that they had neither the time nor soil outside of the Walls as best they could. body of colour and feathers. Midaka stared
money to make themselves. Many, many years later, Midaka and her evenly at the majestic beast; it stared back
community were still refused entry into at her.
The shop was the only building outside of the Walls, still paying for their ancestors
the Walls for miles around; the families crime, unwillingly inherited and, by many, Then it spread its wings and, in a single flap
of farmers made do with caravans and hatefully borne. like a clap of thunder, was gone.
wagons. There was no town hall, and
there had been no school since Midaka’s But Midaka felt more pity towards the King “May the land bless us all, whatever we may
grandparents were children, so neither than hatred. Pity because he was trapped do”, Midaka whispered, and lay back under
she nor her few young acquaintances knew in the Walls and in his duty, pity because a sky that sank with equal heaviness inside
how to read. tradition exiled him from their world as and out of the Walls.
much as they were from his. Pity because
Midaka stepped around the rectangular he could not have been the same king By Damya Wijesekera
building, heading for the short hill behind that was the result of their unasked-for Year 9, Hornsby Girls High School
it, as she always did. Snake-like branches HORNSBY – NSW
Teacher: Janet Walker

38 Oz Kids in Print
 Ready
or
Not
“…19…20! I’m comin’ to find you!” the note, “My favourite place at school… “The dentist”, I replied.
Cynthia yelled from downstairs. is the art room”, I said.
We were soon on our way to the dentist in
“Shh, don’t make a sound!” I whispered to “Great! What are we waiting for?” Cynthia the snow, again! Ping! The door went, as
Santa, my dog. said, leaping up looking delighted, “It’s like we entered it.
we were detectives!” she said.
Thump! Santa hit something. What was “What do you want, dears?” the lady at the
that, I wondered? I didn’t know there was In a moment we were outside in the snow, front desk asked.
a box in this cupboard! heading to school. “Do we have to go,
Cynthia?” I moaned from the coldness, “Oh, umm... nothing!” I finally said.
I quickly yelled, “Pause!” Then turned on
the cupboard light and looked around. “Yes”, she replied. I complained a bit more, “Then why are you here?” she asked again.
There was a little box in the corner with but I didn’t get anywhere. We finally This time I was more prepared, “I lost
golden swirl decorations on it and a little arrived at school. “OK. Art room”, Cynthia something. So I umm… came here to find
keyhole in the middle of it. whispered. it!” I said.

Cynthia arrived, “What do you think is in We searched the whole art room. There “OK”, the lady slowly said.
it?” she asked me. was no sign of the key. “The subject I’m
best at…” I kept on murmuring, “I know! We searched the whole place, the last
“Maybe something magical… like a map I love painting! So it must be in the paint room was the surgery. I hated it the most,
or something”, I whispered back. box!” I yelled, but being careful so the it made me shiver. “This is the room I hate
teachers wouldn’t hear. the most, Cynthia! The dental chair is the
“Where’s the key, though?” Cynthia asked. worst place, though!” I told Cynthia. To
We were now in the study room, thinking We searched in the paint box, and at the my surprise, she walked straight up to the
of what to do with the box. bottom, we found a little golden key. We dental chair, and looked in and under it.
were so excited we leapt up and stamped
“I don’t know, but we can find it! Like a around, then quietly tiptoed out of the “Here!” She cried, as she felt something
game, really”, I replied. enormous school and ran home smiling. solid. She slowly brought it out… It
We grabbed the box and slid the key in was…
“Amber, be serious!” Cynthia said, shaking the hole, it opened smoothly. We both
me. excitedly opened the box… but we were A box of lollies!
disappointed. The box was empty, apart
“Of course I’m being serious, silly!” I from a little note. I opened the crinkled By Lizzie Graham-Higgs
said. “And plus, I found a note with it.” I note. The note said: “You will find your Year 5, Beaumont Road Public School
continued, “It says, you will find the key if prize in the place you’re most scared of ”. KILLARA – NSW
you answer this riddle: You will find it in Teacher: Mrs Christowski
a place you love at school”, I said, reading “OK”, Cynthia said slowly, “What place are
you scared of the most?” she asked.

November 2018 39
 The Best Holiday Ever!
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 didn’t want them to get crashed in an
Amber was nearly ripping my skin! Her Well, you would have guessed it, it happened earthquake.
little hands gripped on to me like she was the very next day! The earthquake decided
about to die, correction, we were probably to have it at 2:32PM that day, when I picked myself down the hall avoiding
going to die, at least any moment now! Amber and I were playing snap under the the bits of wall and fallen down roof and
Mum’s idea of sending me and Amber table, to protect ourselves if there was an peeked in every room. The study room
to Chile on our own was probably the earthquake! was basically turned upside down. The
stupidest thing I have ever heard of! cupboard was slightly tilted. The desk had
Nanna leapt from the kitchen and crawled moved and was turned upside down. The
My thoughts were cut off by Amber under the dining table and squeezed us papers were everywhere. Nanna looked
screaming, “Emy! Emy! Earthquack! tight until I thought that I was about to at me in the eye and said, “Don’t worry
Getting worse!”. explode! Emily, we’ll fix everything after!” I peeked
into the bathroom, and the only things
Now everyone was screaming outside! Amber’s wet eyes started crying again so I that had fallen down was the soap and
Well, I can’t blame them! There was an gave her tiny hand a little squeeze, if you the toilet paper (apart from the roof and
earthquake! were wondering whether this was scary, the walls).
the answer is YES! IT WAS SO SCARY!
Oh! I am terribly sorry! I forgot to introduce I WAS NEARLY ABOUT TO PEE MY In our room, the spare room, the bed
myself and tell you what is happening right PANTS! was upside down and the wardrobe was
now! sideways and had moved too. Our suitcases
But of course, I was a responsible 9 year were a mess and our belongings were
So let’s get started. My name is Emily old girl about to turn 10, called Emily everywhere.
McMahon and I’m ten. Mum thought it McMahon. So I did NOT pee myself!
was a good idea to go to Chile with my Nanna’s room was like ours except without
little sister Amber, when we got there, there Finally, the Earthquake ended! It had felt our belongings, but her clothes were
were people everywhere! About two days like flying to your death! My fear crept out everywhere and her wardrobe doors were
later, we were watching TV, and there was of my body and I crawled out from under ripped off!
a earthquake warning! Tomorrow! Nanna the table. Nanna’s house seemed fine, apart
said that we would cope fine, because from the cracked pot, the moved crashed The only problem was the roof and the
normally only a few people died, but she dining table and couch and cracked TV. walls. They were the most damage of the
still looked worried. Amber, my little sister Now I was starting to understand why house. The roof was fallen and bits of wall
that is 4 years old, looked me in the eye and she didn’t keep many things, like pictures, were starting to lose their balance.
said, “What izz a earthquack?! Izz bad?!”. or roses in a vase, it was because she

40 Oz Kids in Print
Chapter 3 “It’s OK. It’s OK”, I gently whispered, my We ate some of the biscuits I brought
Two days have passed ever since the effort of trying to soothe her were probably along with me, and raced each other on
earthquake and I now know three siblings one out of ten! Sorry, but I’m not really a the little space we had (the rest of the
that live close to Nanna. They are called person you would ask to cheer you up! space were taken by fallen down trees and
Jake, Lilian and tiny little Jacinda. torn up grass). While Amber and Ashley
After a while Ashley got up, “Would you played their thing, picking up Amber and
I fell terribly sorry for all of them! Jacinda is like to meet my family?” she asked. “Sure, swinging her around and around, I did
only 2, and Lilian and Jake are 6 (twins). I’d love to!” I replied, before we headed off some cloud spotting, I spotted a little girl,
to the direction of Ashley’s house. a cow and a bird looking thing.
Poor little Jacinda! Apparently, this is her
first earthquake experience! And it wasn’t Chapter 5 Suddenly, two girls came into the park,
a very nice one! “Oh! My goodness! Are you sure you’re not one girl looked very familiar to Ashley,
making this up Ashley?!” Ashley’s mum with the dark hair and chocolate eyes as
There is also a very nice old couple called said, looking as if she had just seen a ghost. big as saucers. “Uh, oh!” I heard Ashley
Madeline and Albert, they give us these Clearly Ashley’s sister was her favourite. murmur.
very nice treats, like chocolate brownies
and vanilla cake. Ashley’s Mum and Dad and I were seated “What?” I asked back. “My sister, Beatrix!
in the cracked dining room and we were And her bestie, Alice!” Ashley whispered
There are other kids my age, I try to make talking about what we would do. looking coward.
friends with them, but they don’t quite like
kids like me. Maybe it’s just because I’m a Ashley’s father calmly just said, “I’ll speak The girl apparently called Beatrix, came
little too loud. to your sister Beatrix tonight”. After that up to us and snickered, “Is this your little
I quickly got up and left Ashley’s family friend, little sister?” she snarled. “Yes, I am!
On Wednesday, four days after the incident, to their discussion. The look on Ashley’s I am called Emily McMahon. Nice to meet
I was picking my way through the broken father’s calm face scared me. you”, I said, trying to put on a brave face. “I
down houses to Jake, Lilian and Jacinda’s didn’t ask you”, Beatrix snarled back. Alice
house, when I heard a little meow, I Chapter 6 was giggling behind Beatrix, “Yes Beatrix”,
listened to it again before I started picking I walked back to Nanna’s place slowly Ashley replied after me stuttering a bit.
my way to the left, where the sound seemed thinking about the long awful day. I
to be coming from. thought about poor Ashley, and how she “I hear that you have put poor Ashley’s
would have to put up with her silly sister kitten, Missy, in that tree over there.
When I got there, there was a little tabby Beatrix tonight. That was when I suddenly That is a very rude thing to do!” I said
kitten! It seemed to be stuck in a tree! realised how lucky I am. pointing over to the only standing tree that
yesterday Beatrix and Alice put Missy in,
Just below it there was a girl, she was about I realised that these people had to put with two other girls.
my age, crying… up with these frightening earthquakes
and tsunamis for all of these years, but Beatrix and Alice flinched, but Beatrix
Chapter 4 Australia doesn’t have as many. I realised quickly stood up straight and snarled at me
“There were these teenage girls”, Ashley that I had a kind family, and that I had a and said, “You have no right to be poking
sobbed. Ashley was the girl under the good home. your head in the Gustaf family!” Then they
tree. both walked away. “You have to learn to
I felt now that I should be grateful for my stand up to yourself, Ashley”, I said quietly
“Oh, so there was a gang of about four own life! then sat down helping myself to another
teenage girls… and… I’m guessing that brownie that Nanna made.
they thought it was funny to climb up a tree Then next day I waited at the park for
and put your poor little kitten up there?” Ashley, as we had promised. Ashley came Chapter 7
I guessed reaching out to stroke the kitten a little earlier than me and she was playing I didn’t get to see Ashley for a day. It was
that was called Missy. with her yo-yo, I had to tag along Amber only two more days until I had to go home.
with me, because Amber was too bored of I was staying there for eight days. I am
“Wow! You’re good at guessing! That’s looking at Nanna doing her paperwork. missing mum, dad and Sadie, my dog, like
exactly what happened!” Ashley said mad! Well, at least I have Nanna, Amber
looking surprised. As soon as Ashley took a look at Amber’s and my other friends.
chubby little face she started doing that
“So… why did they pick on you, why not ‘aww! She’s so cute!’ thing that everyone Finally, Ashley came, on my second last
on… that girl over there?!” I asked. does with Amber. I just laughed and said, day at Chilli, She had brought a packet of
“Well, you’ve never seen her little tricks chips, apparently to say goodbye to me.
“They picked on me because I was their she plays on me!” but Amber put on a few “I’m going to miss you so”, Ashley said.
friend’s sister! They think that I did all of more cute faces so that she could get more “Same. I hope I get to come back soon!” I
those things she said I did! But I… but I… cuddles and Ashley could lift her up and replied back.
I didn’t”, Ashley managed to get out before swing around.
she started sobbing again.
Continued on page 42

November 2018 41
 Continued from page 41 and I a chocolate bar each, for making the airplane! “But I havvv toooooooo!!!!”
them laugh apparently, but I think that was Amber cried, Amber was only four, but
the job Amber did the most. Ashley had she was clever, all right! She knew what
For some reason Ashley seemed quite swung around Amber twenty-one times, it was happening, but she was being slightly
excited, “Why are you so excited?” I was her lucky number, and she had given stupid here, I’m sure you wouldn’t have a
couldn’t help asking. us both a small chip packet. “I’ll miss you tantrum on the airplane, if it was sinking
both!” she cried as we drove to the airport in the sea! “OK, OK! Take your little bag!”
“I stood up to my sister! When she said in Nanna’s car, I waved to all of them, until the airplane lady said walking a bit quicker
I was gross, guess what I did?” Ashley they were out of sight. When we got to the to the exit.
said, jumping up and down. “What?! airport, we were one hour early, we slowly
You told on her?!” I guessed. “No silly, I walked to the register, and did the suitcase We were outside now, on the little life
smacked her!” said Ashley smiling like thing, then went to the security check. boats they use when there’s an accident in
mad. I couldn’t believe her! The 10 year the airplane, like now! Amber was lucky
old girl, with shiny black hair and dancing Time went by quickly, and soon it was the only thing she lost in the sea, were her
chocolate brown eyes, had smacked her our turn to board. There were no other suitcase and a few clothes and bathroom
own sister! “On the face?!” I asked again, unaccompanied minors, but the air stuff, I was pretty lucky too, I lost my
just in case I was imagining it, “Yep”, came crew seemed very kind. I hugged Nanna bathroom stuff, my charger for my phone,
the reply. furiously, until I thought she was going to my book and drawing things, my suitcase
break a rib then let go, I kissed her on the and a bit of my clothes. At least I had my
“Wow!” I said looking impressed. “Did you cheek and watched Amber get cuddled too. phone and jacket on me!
think I was a shy girl?” Ashley said looking At the end, we did a group hug. I only got
me in the eye with her chocolate brown to see Nanna once every two years. “Is anyone still on the airplane that you
eyes. “Uh”, I said looking embarrassed, noticed!” the airplane crew were saying,
there was no point lying to Ashley, she Then we boarded the plane. A few people one of the kind airplane ladies were next
always knew! “Yeah, I was”, Ashley said, stared at us, but I just shrugged. to us, she was making sure that we were
looking a bit less jumpy. OK, which was obviously, a NO!!!
The plane took off, and my ears popped,
“But… then you came! And you told me to I quickly put on my headphones on, and Apparently, both of the pilots got confused
stand up to myself! Nobody had ever told watched a movie, that’s my strategy when with where they were, that they were so
me that! I took that as good feedback, so ears pop! Amber did the same. focused on the map, they didn’t notice that
I smacked her! I couldn’t come yesterday a bird flew and crashed on the window.
because I got into big trouble, it was her We were about to arrive in Sydney, when a When they looked up, they got such a
weak spot I smacked, just by the way!” rumbling sound was heard under my feet, fright that they both fainted! Yep, it sounds
Ashley continued, looking very pleased it was like a bear roaring! I was getting a bit really stupid and unbelievable, but it was
with herself and jumping up and down scared, but it was Amber who was probably actually true!
again. “Do you think it was worth it?” the most scared, “Emy! Izz dere bear
I asked, “What? Getting into trouble? on airwaplane?!” she whispered to me, As a helicopter loomed towards us, to save
Oh yes! She’s not going to bully me now, looking worried, but really adorable! Then us, I thought about what happened, I could
that she knows I can smack her!” Ashley that’s when I heard it, the screaming. see the two pilots over there, they were still
replied. “Excellent! So she won’t put Missy unconscious. We got put in the helicopter
in the tree again?” I asked. “No”, Ashley Chapter 9 first, because we were unaccompanied
said firmly. “I’m already itching to smack “Don’t worry dears!” the kind airplane lady minors, to be honest it was quite exciting
her again!” Ashley said grinning, like a was saying to us, “calm down little one! in the helicopter, I could see the vivid lights
devil getting revenge. Just put on your life jacket on, like this!” in Sydney, they were beautiful.
she yelled at us, over the other screaming
Chapter 8 people. “No, dear little one, don’t take A ten year old girl called Emily McMahon,
Today was my day to leave, in 3 hours. your little bag!” she said, to Amber as she goes to Chile with her little sister Amber,
Jacinda, and her family, had given Amber she led us to the exit, we were sinking, on and finds herself in lots of difficult things,

42 Oz Kids in Print
like earthquakes and friend troubles. Is Sadie had been with me, ever since I was and trampoline and baked some scones,
Emily brave enough to cope? born, she is 10 right now, but is still like they tasted delicious!
a puppy.
Chapter 10 Ashley and her family were in Australia for
“Oh my Goodness girls! Are you OK! I “Well Em, you should see what she’s done two whole weeks, Ashley’s sister, Beatrix,
hope you’re OK! Amber! How did you to your room!” Mum said, as I played with made two friends that I recognised from
manage to get your bag! And Emily! Sadie outside. school, and I introduced my best friend,
Oh! You must have both been so brave!” Emma, to Ashley. We had a lot of fun and
Mum was fussing all over us. Dad came I walked inside, into my room to see that we both had a lot of similarities. Ashley
too. When he came, he swung us around. my shoes had been chewed, my clothes went to a lot of different places each day,
First Amber, then me! Normally, I would were soaking with dog slobber and with us! She went to Luna Park, the Sydney
say, ‘STOP!!! PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME my blanket was furry with Sadie’s hair. Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the
DOWN! PUT ME DOWN! NOW!!!’ at the Apparently, Sadie had slept on my bed cinemas, the city and other places that were
top of my lungs, or something like that, when I was away, no matter how much also quite exciting. On the last day she was
but I didn’t now, I let him do it, no wonder mum and dad tried to get her away, she in Australia, Mum made us a picnic, and
Amber always squealed, it was fun! would always find a way to get back in. we went to the park and had it as we said
how much we would miss each other, and
We hopped into our Mazda and drove “Oh you bad Labrador!” I said laughing, how we should go to each other’s country
off, home. “But no matter what, I’ll always love you!” more often. Then it came to the time
I said tickling her tummy. when we drove Ashley and her family to
We got home soon, as soon as I stepped in the airport.
our house, Sadie was charging at me like Chapter 11
a bull! She jumped up and down on me, A month later, I texted Ashley, and she We hugged each other, and mum and dad
licking my face and making me laugh and said that she was coming to Australia! I wished them a safe trip. Then we parted.
tickle her tummy! was so excited and ran to tell mum and It was sad, but we both knew we would see
dad, they got hold of Ashley’s family’s each other soon.
Behind me, I heard Amber complaining number, and we planned to meet at the
to mum that why didn’t Sadie come to cinemas, we watched the Incredibles 2. I The end.
her. Mum tried to get Sadie to Amber but had to explain some of the words to Ashley,
for the whole night, Sadie stuck to me. I but apart from that, it was great! I let her By Elizabeth (Lizzie) Graham-Higgs
still remembered eight days ago, and how meet Sadie too. Ashley loved Sadie nearly Year 5, Beaumont Road Public School
Sadie had wanted to come with me to the as much as I do! We played on my swing KILLARA – NSW
airport, we had to push her back inside Teacher: Mrs. Christowski
the house!

The Portal That Was Open

E
lise was in bed it was a warm breezy travel help and Elise went in and Anna
night. Her flaky painted window said, “The portal will open again at the
was open. She went up to close the same time at last time but you have to be
window but then this portal opened. It was in your hotel room this time. In order to
sucking her in. Then suddenly it looked get back you need to wear this necklace.
different. She saw a sign saying it is a new The other portals except for your home
year people 2020! She almost fainted at the portal I will shut down so this does not
sight of 2020. happen again. Oh by the way the portal
opens tonight”.
Then she sees her best friend, Meg she was
in a car. She said “Hey Lisy”. Lisy was Elise’s So Elise was in her room and then the
nickname. “Hey Meg aren’t we supposed to portal opened. She was so happy this time
be back in 2010?” “That was years ago”, said she jumped in early. Then suddenly she
Meg. “Bye Meg I got to go” yelled Elise. woke up in her 2010 bed. She realised that
it was all a dream. The end!
Elise found a hotel and went in and said
“I don’t have any money but can I have a By Niamh Kearney
hotel room?”. “You do not have to pay you Year 3, Scotch College
crazy girl”, said the hotel manager. “Here MITCHAM – SA
is your room key”. So Elise had some time Teacher: Kylie Boag
in her room then she went to Anna’s time

November 2018 43
 The Halloween Night Fright
O
nce upon a time, on a dark, Some of the zombie guards caught a couple “Oh I got them from the kitchen. Everyone
spooky Halloween night, there of words they said and came rushing up to knows Halloween is the night people
was a little boy named Jack. He exterminate them. choose to steal, so I had them in my
had dressed up as a ghost and had been pockets to be ready”, replied Cody.
going to his neighbours to trick or treat “The zombie guards are coming”, said Jack
them. with a rush. When the zombie guards got there they
both went to Jack’s cell first. Cody thought
Then he heard something in the bush. “I have a plan”, replied Cody. “I will make a it was going as planned, but when Cody
He thought it was his friend Cody who loud noise that will make the zombies try made his loud noise only one zombie came
liked to play tricks on him. Jack turned to kill me, and then you will make a loud to his cell.
around and was expecting to see a red, sound that will make the zombies come to
shiny costume with a big, black collar, but try to kill you, and then I will throw my Cody got out his kitchen knives and
instead he saw... kitchen knives at them, and…” stabbed the zombie guard in the stomach.
Then he quickly threw his other kitchen
Nothing! “Wait, where did you get your kitchen knife at the zombie guard at Jack’s cell. It
knives?” interrupted Jack. stabbed right into his back, but he was still
He was shocked. standing. Jack knew karate, so he kicked
the zombie in the face, which made his face
“There’s nothing! I thought Cody was burst with blood and he fell to the floor.
pulling a trick, but no!” cried Jack terrified.
He ran back to his house as fast as he Jack tried to kick one of the bars out. It
could. worked. He ran to the zombie guard that
had the key, then quickly ran to Cody’s cell
Suddenly big, grey hands reached out and and unlocked it.
grabbed his legs and dragged him into the
bushes. In the bushes Jack saw loads of Jack saw lots of zombie guards running
creepy, grey, rotten zombies. up the stairs as fast as they could. Jack
and Cody were sprinting and dodging
Soon Jack realised that he was in jail. their attacks. Eventually the zombie
guards caught Jack and Cody, but Jack
“Why am I in jail?” complained Jack. threw Cody as hard as he could, out of
the way. Then back kicked the zombie
Just then Jack saw a loose bar. He pulled guards and they went tumbling down
it with all his strength… on top of each other.

It didn’t come out. It would not Jack and Cody sprinted up a

budge. tunnel and were glad when they
could see tree roots. At the end
“Oh Dane! How can I get out of the tunnel were stairs that
now?” led up.

Then Jack heard someone call his “We made it out Jack. I thought
name. Jack knew that voice. He we were never going to get out
turned around and… alive”, said Cody with relief.

“Cody, how did you get here? You “Yeah”, replied Jack. “I’m
said you weren’t trick or treating going home. Seeya!”
tonight!” cried Jack, astonished.
“Wait!”, cried Cody, “we still
“Shhhhh, the zombie guards will need to trick or treat!”
kill you, because their boss dies from
loud sounds and they dragged me “OK, but no zombies this time!” Jack
away when I was asleep”, replied Cody. chuckled.
“Have you found a way out?”
By Logan Udy
“I thought there was a loose bar, but it Year 4, Bullsbrook College
turned out to be the strongest bar”, replied BULLSBROOK – WA
Jack. Teacher: Jacqueline Bikim

44 Oz Kids in Print
 Night Noises
T
he distant howl of the wolf pack head ever so slightly. The Alpha’s hot Nyx was buried in a warm furry embrace.
signalled night. The wolves were breath drifted across the night air, and It took seconds to recognise the gesture
seeking food, and were coming out Nyx somehow knew there would be no of gratitude. He dared to smile and nuzzle
to hunt. attack. Blood shimmered at the edge of the into the Alpha in return. The tender
Alpha’s mouth and Nyx was relieved to see closeness was cut short as the injured
Nyx was getting water from the nearby that dinner had already been served. The wolf stirred and nonchalantly re-joined
lake, when he heard the howl. He knew Alpha stalked past Nyx who was careful his pack.
he had to hurry, night was coming and he to lower his eyes. Slowly the Alpha lay
could see the reflections of the first stars his head down on the whimpering wolf. Quietly, blending into the night the pack
in the inky black water. Nyx stood up. He There was kindness in this protective wandered away into the bush. Nyx’s eyes
started to run a little, careful not to spill the gesture and Nyx was again moved to help. strained to follow the last of their outlines
water he had just collected. He stopped to Carefully Nyx moved towards the injured as his mind began to wonder if that had
steady his load and catch his breath. wolf, grateful that he had a pocket campers really happened. He looked down to his
first aid kit and expeditiously loosened a feet at the open first aid pack being the only
It was then that he heard a low whimper bandage. The lame wolf lay still but the evidence of the events that had transpired.
emitting from somewhere nearby in the Alpha stirred warily. He picked up his things, and reached for
darkness. For a moment, he hesitated the water container, remembering that the
knowing he should keep moving. Nyx A long paw was extended towards Nyx in only things you leave in the wilderness
wrestled with his conscience, and decided warning and a low grumble shuddered are footprints and the only things you
to investigate. He started to jog towards from the dominating leader to the boy. take are experiences. He walked back to
the sound. Nyx persisted in wrapping the side of the his campsite, to find his family as he’d left
wolf gently but tightly, remembering his them, playing around the campfire.
In a clearing ahead, he could see the first aid training. He hoped the principle
shape of a furry animal. Approaching of applying pressure was equally relevant By Dante Crean
the whimpering shape cautiously, he was to wolves as it was to humans. The action Year 5, Helena College
shocked to see that it was a wolf! He could caused some discomfort to the wolf CHIDLOW – WA
see blood seeping from its side, soaking the which in turn saw the Alpha’s teeth baring Teacher: Miss Ridocch
matted fur. Strangely, Nyx was not afraid. toward a trembling Nyx. The bandage
The wolf was nothing like the town had was complete and Nyx remained still.
described. It was not the big, scary, vicious Both the boy and the Alpha maintained
beast the town feared. This poor animal contact with the wolf. Minutes passed
really just looked like a misunderstood and the ailing wolf ’s breath steadied.
creature in need. Nyx was so close now A sigh of relief escaped from Nyx
that he could see the whites of the wolf ’s and he was surprised when the
eyes. Perhaps sensing danger, the wolf Alpha lunged towards him. He
helplessly tried to get up and pull away clenched his eyes tight, preparing
from Nyx. The ground claimed it quickly for inevitable agony.
as it fell back down.

Nyx knew that the pack was close by the

now piercing howls in the misty night sky
and the steady drum beat rumble of paws.
However, he couldn’t abandon the injured
wolf. He decided to take his chances.

The pack arrived. Surprisingly,

Nyx didn’t feel scared, and
calm rippled over him. He
stood there, frozen. The
Alpha approached
Ny x , u n d e c i d e d
whether to kill him
or just walk around
him. The Alpha had
rich brown fur and
was majestically tall.
This close, he was taller
than Nyx. Nyx bowed his

November 2018 45
 A Leap of Faith
B
en squirmed uncomfortably in He was petrified, but adrenaline was
his seat, trying to find a way surging through his veins at the sight
to calm his nerves. A of what was bellow him. He knew
bead of sweat trickled down that it was now or never and with
his forehead as he watched that, he put his faith in the parachute
the red light intently. As soon strapped to his back and jumped.
as that light turned green he
would have to jump out and into Ben lost all sense of direction as he
thin air, cutting him away from the fell and a feeling of weightlessness
safety of the plane. overwhelmed him. He thought he
was about to throw up in mid-air,
His mind flicked over everything something no human alive wants
that might go wrong and to experience.
suddenly his nerves intensified
into pure fear. He tried to force It suddenly occurred to him that he
the images from his mind and was nearing the ground fast. Ben
focus on the task at hand, but fumbled desperately for the
his thoughts kept flicking back parachute cord, the instincts
to the possibility of failure. had built with his dad as a kid. Ben felt like he had developed from jumping with an
his stomach had crawled up to his mouth instructor suddenly taking over.
Ben tugged on his backpack to make sure as he stared what lay before him. He felt
it was firmly in its place. This was his like he could reach out and pick up the His fingers clasped around a metal string,
consolation, that he had something that he buildings as easily as he could pick up a which Ben yanked backwards with all his
could rely on, something that he knew he matchbox car. might. Ben was jerked up as the parachute
could trust to assist him when he needed gained traction, and peacefully floated
it. He turned his attention back to the light The dark feelings of fear and terror came down to the ground. When touched down
which was still red. He watched the light back as he lowered himself out of the door he realised what he had just done. He had
going from red to green, a signal for him of the plane. His heart raced like he was achieved his first solo jump.
to jump. running a marathon as he tugged on his
back for one final check. By Flynn Atkinson
The doors opened and he looked down at Year 6, Scotch College
the town fields and the buildings. It looked As he stood there time seemed to slow. He HAWTHORN – VIC.
like one big model to him, like the ones he wanted to jump but found he couldn’t. Fear Teacher: Cornelia Koehne-Drube
had paralysed him, rooted him to the spot.

The Many Sides of Mr Banks

Young and handsome, Never failing to succeed.
His eyes warm and his hair untamed. Never will disappoint.
Eager to go exploring ashore.
A hard working botanist on the Endeavour. Mr Banks’ personality shines through.
Impatient, cruel, kind and loving.
Communicating with others
Even from a different place. He nurtures the little boy on board,
The stowaway.
A kinder version of Mr Banks. Not at all the gentleman he once was.
Rather than the cranky. Pushy and vigorous.
A leader to all crew and Gentlemen.
Working night and day, sleepless. The untamed men are thrashing around deck.
Mr Banks furious with the amount of noise.
The untamed sea.
Thrashing through the night By Lydia Heazlewood-lee
Year 5, Ravenswood School for Girls
Spending the day planting, GORDON – NSW
Collecting too. Teacher: Sharon Shapiro

46 Oz Kids in Print
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