Possum Magic Nook is a renowned children's book written by Australian author Mem Fox. This enchanting story takes young readers on a magical journey with two possums named Hush and Grandma Poss as they explore the vast Australian landscape in search of the antidote to reverse Hush's invisibility. The story begins with Grandma Poss casting a spell to make Hush invisible to protect her from danger. However, as time goes by, Hush becomes tired of being invisible and longs to see herself again. Grandma Poss suggests they embark on a journey to find the missing ingredient they need to make Hush visible once more. Thus, their adventure begins.
Thus, their adventure begins. Throughout their journey, Hush and Grandma Poss travel to various iconic Australian landmarks, from Sydney's Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, in search of different foods that may hold the key to reversing Hush's invisibility. They encounter a colorful cast of characters along the way, including a wombat, a kangaroo, and even a Tasmanian devil.
Possum Magic
The plot in a nutshell: Grandma Poss uses magic to make Hush invisible (to keep her safe), but when Hush wants to be seen again, Grandma has to travel all of Australia in search of a cure.
Of course, any books about possums are going to get their time in the spotlight here at the Possum’s Bookshelf. This particular one is about Australian possums, which are much cuter and cuddlier than their American counterparts, and features many of Australia’s other fascinating indigenous species as well. Author Mem Fox’s love for her native country truly comes through in every page of this story.
Poor invisible Hush…don’t you get the idea she’s waving frantically in an effort to make herself seen?
Customarily, a book’s publisher (and not the author) chooses the artist for a picture book, but Ms. Fox was unaware of that custom and included pictures from artist Julie Vivas with the book when it was submitted for publication. Fortunately for her readers, Omnibus Books allowed Ms. Vivas to remain as the illustrator. Her artwork here is just gorgeous, with soft watercolor tones and fine detailed lines.
In order to make Hush visible again, Grandma Poss and Hush journey through a number of Australia’s cities, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth. They also eat quite a few distinctly Australian foods (including the infamous vegemite sandwich) along the way. Included in the back of the book is a map of Australia and a description of many of the foods mentioned. If you would like to try your hand at creating some of these Australian foods in your own kitchen, Ms. Fox has some recipes on her website.
And what did we learn? What I take away from this book is that it may be safer to keep yourself hidden away, but you can only really live life to its fullest by openly being who you really are.
Grandma Poss uses her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more. “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.”-- Children’s Book Review Service
The storytelling in Possum Magic Nook is captivating, filled with vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and its unique wildlife. Mem Fox's use of rich language and playful rhymes adds to the charm of the story and engages young readers. The illustrations, beautifully done by Julie Vivas, breathe life into the characters and surroundings, making the magic of the story come alive. Through their travels, Hush and Grandma Poss emphasize the importance of good food and how it is tied to one's identity. Each food they encounter leaves a temporary effect on Hush, revealing itself in different physical characteristics. This aspect of the story allows children to explore the concept of identity and individuality in a fun and relatable way. Possum Magic Nook is not just a delightful tale; it also holds a deeper message about the power of love, self-acceptance, and the magic that lies within each person. It encourages young readers to embrace their unique qualities and reminds them that they are capable of anything with the support and encouragement of loved ones. In conclusion, Possum Magic Nook is a timeless children's book that captivates both young and old readers alike. Its enchanting storytelling, beautiful illustrations, and underlying messages make it a true gem in children's literature. It teaches valuable lessons about love, identity, and self-acceptance through the magical journey of Hush and Grandma Poss..
Reviews for "Captivating Tales from the Possum Magic Nook"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Possum magic nook" based on all the positive reviews, but I ended up being extremely disappointed. The writing style felt very disjointed and it was hard to follow the storyline. The characters were also lackluster, with no depth or development. Overall, I found the book to be quite boring and I struggled to finish it. I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 3/5 stars - Although "Possum magic nook" had an interesting premise, I found it to be quite underwhelming. The pacing of the story was slow and it took a long time for any significant events to occur. Additionally, I felt that the descriptions were excessive and unnecessary, bogging down the narrative. While the book had its moments, overall I found it to be mediocre and wouldn't prioritize it on my reading list.
3. Emily - 1/5 stars - I really struggled to get through "Possum magic nook". The writing was dull and lacked any sort of excitement or engagement. The plot was also very predictable and nothing new or unexpected happened. I was disappointed by the lack of creativity and felt that it was a wasted opportunity. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking an enthralling and captivating read.