Robin Klein, illus. Ann James
Hodder 2004

Every now and then, along comes a character who is such an individual that she just grabs and holds our attention.  That is Penny Pollard!

When Penny Pollard’s Diary was first published in 1983, it was a hit – an hilarious story of a girl who loves horses and hates dresses, boring old people and homework.  When Penny has to interview a (nearly) eighty-one year old lady for a school project she does not expect to meet someone just as rebellious as herself.  Her diary of their joint discovery of friendship and caring deservedly won the Book of the Year award and set up another 5 Penny Pollard titles.

Now they are available again in new paperback versions.  Robin Klein created Penny’s voice brilliantly, with all her enthusiasm, whinging, plotting and explanations.  Because she narrates the books, it is only Penny’s point of view that we get.  But we can read between the lines so clearly that all her plans, exaggerations and mistakes never hide the real story that she often misses.

She deals with all the usual early teen issues – teachers, boys (as friends or enemies), girls with their own horses, babies, elderly relatives, behaviour in public – as well as some more thoughtful situations – growing old, mum in hospital, selling your home.  Generally she goes at them like a bull at a gate, completely sure of her control of everything.  She is usually wrong about that, but things work out anyway!

Ann James’ artwork and design is a key part of all the books.  She includes photos, letters, Penny’s doodling, as well as her own very clever line drawings in the appropriate Diary, Scrapbook, Newspaper or Letter format for each title, and expresses so much of Penny’s personality for us.

Penny Pollard is a classic character in Australian children’s literature.  She is just as fresh and funny a generation after she first appeared and shows that while fashions might change quickly, people do not.

Review by David Beagley

© 2004 David Beagley