There can be few 30-somethings who grew up in Australia who do not know the story about Edward the emu, who, bored with being in the zoo, set out to find adventure and discovered more than he bargained for, including a mate, Edwina. That story screamed for a sequel and it eventually came and we followed her adventures to find employment while Edward stayed home and looked after their ten chicks. From ballerina to chimney sweep to waitress – each job description seemed to fit her special skills but something always went awry until she discovered her perfect place.
It seems incredible that it was 38 years ago since Edward first came into our literary lives and now, Edwina is celebrating 30 – and the stories are just as fresh and enchanting for little ones as they have been throughout all those years. Goodness knows how many times I have shared them – enough that those originals are showing their age as they share the shelves with some other classics, all earmarked for any future generations to enjoy.
And like its shelf-mates, it has endured because at its core is an entertaining story that appeals to both the child and the adult sharing it, its humour bouncing along in rhyme and rhythm and repetitive text, and interpreted in extraordinary, timeless illustrations that capture the situation and emotions of its characters perfectly.
If you and/or yours haven’t met Edward and Edwina yet, then this is a must-have in any collection whether it’s the family or school library. Even though I met them all those years ago, and have sat down with them so many times since then, just writing this review has set me up for the day! I wonder what happened to Yeek…
