"Are we there yet?"  If this chant does not sound familiar, nor bring back those excruciating or pleasing memories of the family car trip, then this children's picture book will certainly remind us!

Alison Lester is one of Australia's best known author/illustrators of children' s books.  Lester has enticed young readers with her many acclaimed and award-winning picture books including The Journey Home (1989), Magic Beach (1990) and Ernie Dances to the Didgeridoo (2000).  Lester's family, her own childhood and surroundings are strongly apparent as sources of inspiration in her work.  Her books reflect a strong Australiana theme encompassing childhood adventures with a taste of imagination.

Lester yet again captures our hearts through her latest picture book Are we there yet? A journey around Australia (2004).  It is quite evident that Lester embraces the opportunity to entertain and inform the reader through a warm and humorous family adventure based on her own travelling experiences.

The story begins at Binnum where a family sets off on a road trip around the country.  Told through the eyes of the female protagonist Grace, we, the readers, must also pack our bags and travel along.  Together we laugh along at the hilarious family moments depicted by Grace, such as feeling the embarrassment for younger brother Billy when he has to pretend that he is a girl.  We discover the ever-changing beauty of the country from Streaky Bay to East Alligator River.  We journey along, but not for one moment do we realise that we are actually learning.

A clever device used by Lester is softening the historical facts of Australia through the memorable language of Grace's conversations and running commentary.  This is also apparent in Lester's illustrations that gently explore the indigenous heritage, whilst the text innocently goes about describing the family's ongoing experiences.

The book has much for both child and adult readers to appreciate and enjoy.  Lester has allowed for instant engagement with many different levels of appreciation.  Grace is a likeable eight year old girl; readers can reflect and enjoy her thoughts and actions, such as her description of the Great Australian Bight ..." The Great Australian Bight looked like a giant had bitten a huge chunk out of Australia."  The continuing chant by Grace's brother Billy is a device that is used skilfully to entice the reader on.

Lester's brief descriptions of places and attractions are complemented with maps and diagrams, personalised by Grace's thoughts.  This literary device begins on the inside cover, playing an immediate role in assisting the reader on the family's journey.  Her vividly bright illustrations highlight the family's travelling snapshots and depict the vast landscape, from the striking red earthy tones of Uluru to the cooling blue colours of the Victorian oceans.  These illustrations, which embrace the written text, spill on to each page in many eye pleasing styles and formats.  Re-reading can discover many more facts and intricate details.

Lester has brilliantly captured Australia's geography and culture by allowing Grace to discover the unique hidden treasures, rather than being told from a textbook.  This book is a clear favourite that will remain dustless on my bookshelf.  A must for any holidaying family!

Review by Prudence Stone

This piece was originally submitted as part of the course work in Australian Children's Literature.  It listed as references:

CMIS (n.d.) Alison Lester - Focus on Fiction [online]. Available: http://www.eddept.wa.edu.au/cmis/eval/fiction/authors/at12.htm (Accessed 28 March 2005)

Austlit (2005) Alison Lester - biography [online]. Available: http://www.austlit.edu.au (Accessed 30 March 2005)

© 2005 Prudence Stone