Lions in the Potting Shed by Margaret J. Baker

This discussion is an introductory compilation (with some simple repetition and overlap) of my several published articles, reviews, analyses, and other attempts to promote awareness and appreciation of Christobel Mattingley’s large, and deeply satisfying body of work. Who is Christobel Mattingley? And what has she written? And why should we pay attention to her books? I hope I can answer these questions and convince you that Mattingley deserves our attention. Whatever the reason, in fact all that is necessary to begin to recognise Mattingley’s achievements is to read some of her books. The Potting Shed (Smith & Hawken) Hardcover Book by Linda Smith Brand New 1996. Perhaps it is because some of her books are for beginning readers, and the stories are considered “educational” rather than “literature”. Perhaps it is because some of her finest books have a non-Australian setting, and Australian critics and readers are less interested in these.

Perhaps it is because she has published many kinds of books, such as picture-story books, chapter-books with illustrations, full-length Young Adult novels (before “Young Adult” was a publishing category), fantasy novels, and true-life stories, and critics and readers are confused by the variety. Perhaps it is because she has been published by many different publishing companies, without the persistent publicity and support that some authors receive from their one main publisher. A small ebony carving bought at a rummage sale begins to answer wishes for the children who own it, eventually bringing them a lioness and her cubs. Perhaps this is because, across the years, she has represented herself without relying on a dedicated literary agent. But she is not as widely known, or celebrated as she deserves. Koven, De esta agua no bebere (Ficcionario)Margarita Posada, Rustic Wedding ChicMaggie Lord. Christobel Mattingley is one of the great Australian children’s authors in the last decades of the Twentieth century, and beyond, with her first book, The Picnic Dog, published in 1970.

Lions in the Potting Shed by Margaret J. Baker