Captain Thunderbolt’s Recital (Jane Jolly, illus Liz Duthie, NLA)

Captain Thunderbolt’s Recital tells the unlikely but true story of Fred Ward, the ‘gentleman bushranger’ known as Captain Thunderbolt in the 1860s. Writer Jane Jolly and illustrator Liz Duthie bring this tale to life with unexpected colour and humour. When Captain Thunderbolt realises he’s out of shillings, he finds a travelling German band to rob. But as soon as he spies their instruments in the cart, he demands they put on a show before he lets them go. He even ends up conducting the band with his revolver and playing his own song on a tin whistle! Duthrie’s pen and ink illustrations perfectly capture the lush Australian bushland and the movement and music of the story that unfolds. Jolly introduces a cast of offbeat characters that young readers will love learning about, including the oompah band and the bushranger himself. Although the musicians are terrified of Captain Thunderbolt, there’s a happy ending to this story. Captain Thunderbolt was known for paying back his robberies, after all! Jolly provides more information about bushrangers and the original band at the end of the book for any curious readers. Captain Thunderbolt’s Recital is a fun and whimsical introduction to a captivating side of Australian history.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, middle-grade author, and the vice president of CBCA VIC Branch Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews