The Girl in the Painting (Dee White, illus Sarah Anthony, Walker)

The Girl in the Painting is a beautifully told narrative nonfiction picture book that gives voice to a quiet figure in one of Australia’s most iconic artworks. Based on the true story behind Tom Roberts’ Shearing the Rams (1890), the book follows Susie Bourne, a shy girl growing up on Brocklesby Sheep Station in Corowa, NSW. While her siblings were often noticed, Susie was not – until artist Tom Roberts arrived to sketch life in the shearing shed. All four Bourne children posed for him, but only Susie was included in the final painting. Though girls didn’t work in shearing sheds, Roberts placed her there – giving her a role as the tar ‘boy’, a presence, and a place, in history. Dee White’s lyrical storytelling captures Susie’s quiet strength and longing to be seen, while Sarah Anthony’s soft, earthy illustrations reflect the tone and textures of the time. Together, they bring the era and artwork to life on the page for a new audience who may be unfamiliar with it. A gallery-style note at the back offers historical context for curious readers aged 5+, linking the book to both the painting and the broader concept of Australian identity. A touching and accessible introduction to Australian history, art and the impact of being truly seen, this is a book for homes and classrooms alike.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jess Lomas is reviews editor for Books+Publishing. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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