The Colt from Old Regret

By Dianne Wolfer

Illustrated by Erica Wagner

Reviewed by Dajo Finlayson

Dianne Wolfer, the creator of many Australian themed historical fiction and award-winning picture books, responds to Banjo Patterson’s poem The Man from Snowy River, by imagining the tale from the colt’s perspective and thus creating a wonderful companion to the original poem. With exquisite collages by Erica Wagner, a Dromkeen Medal winning artist, editor and publisher, this book is a new classic in the making.

Many Australians are familiar with ‘The Banjo’s’ famous verses about the colt from Old Regret, a magnificent mountain brumby who initially escapes from captivity but is eventually captured by ‘The Man from Snowy River’, a story here retold from the colt’s point of view. The book includes the original poem, information about the poet’s life, as well as data about Australian bush ballads, brumbies of the high country, and the town of Corryong in the Snowy Mountains, where Jack Riley, the man who captured the errant colt is buried.

This is a story of ‘nickering mares and a rearing stallion‘, of ‘stones that clatter and crimson rosellas that shriek‘ as the Colt canters higher along a wallaby trail towards the mimosa thickets. What does he see, feel and smell as he charges through the bush? Will he escape the snapping stockwhips, to find shelter in an alpine meadow, or will he once again be captured by the intrepid Snowy River horsemen?

An engrossing and suspenseful story that has the added bonus of connecting a young child with an iconic Australian poem.

Recommended for all ages.

Teacher’s Notes

New South Books 2025

Dianne Wolfer

Erica Wagner