Just So Stories

Dianne’s talent as a writer is undeniable and her ability to write prose fiction, narrative non-fiction and picture books with equal ease sets her apart. Here are the two latest examples of her outstanding ability to capture the essence of a story as well as place and time, both of these reverbrating with a true Aussie vibe. It is always such a pleasure to review Dianne’s work and these two are no exception.

The Colt from Old Regret – Dianne Wolfer and Erica Wagner

NLA Publishing

New South Books

9781922507686 /  April 2025/ AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99

With a Father Bear who absolutely adored the bush poets, particularly Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, it’s no surprise I grew up not only familiar with the bush ballads, but also a fairly competent presenter of these. The Geebung Polo Club was my favourite party piece.

So this wonderful new interpretation of the classic Man from Snowy River spoke to my heart. Dianne has skilfully woven elements from the original poem into a new narrative which is equally evocative and takes the reader to a greater understanding of the life and history of the brumbies. [By the way, yes there is a need to reduce the impact of the brumbies on the Snowies but the inhumane methods that have been used at times are far from acceptable IMO. There are alternatives.]

This new rendition of a time-honoured adventure still focuses on the Colt but imagines the young horse’s interactions with the wild mob as well as with the cattlemen on his trail. It includes back matter with the original ballad, information on Banjo, the Snowy Mountains, the brumbies, bush poetry and the shadowy figure of the ‘Man’ as well the author’s note.

The whole is wrapped in Erica Wagner‘s gorgeous paint and collage illustrations which are both perfectly in sync with the whole essence of both the original and this new perspective. I have no doubt the original artwork must be stunning! A galloping 5 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎 rating!

Cattle Muster -Dianne Wolfer and Frané Lessac

Walker Books Australia

May 2025

ISBN13:9781760657338

Australia RRP:$25.99

New Zealand RRP:$27.99

Really, you couldn’t have got a more perfect illustrator for this one than Frané, I don’t think. Her naive style and use of vibrant colour is exactly what was called for with this insight into life on a sprawling outback cattle station. And Dianne captures with economic use of expressive language exactly what it’s like at muster time, especially if you’re considered too young to help, no matter how much you want to.

It’s time to muster the cattle.
Mum’s in the ute.
Charlie’s in the chopper.
Dad leads the jackaroos.
Sis rides canters on the wing.
Everyone has a job, everyone except me.

But, as it turns out, there is one hugely important job this considered-too-young would-be helper can do, and it reallly does save the day. For most of our Smalls this will be a revelation, with an insight into life in the outback, which could easily be supplemented with some exploration of other aspects such as School of the Air, the RFDS, traditional lands and owners and the cattle industry [makes me think of Kings in Grass Castles – long overdue for a re-read of that one]. It’s another fabulous one to add to your collection and with those UoI of ‘around Australia’ or aspects of our geography and other HASS elements. It’s another 5🤠 🐮🤠🚁🤠 rating for this one.