As Captain Thunderbolt emerges from his hideout one morning it’s not long before he checks his pockets only to realise that he is in need of shillings to buy himself a hot meal and a piece of sweet sugar loaf for his horse, Spirit.
He lay in wait behind a boulder until along came a horse and cart with a German band of musicians. As he rushed out on Spirit he shouted, ‘Stop there! I am Thunderbolt! The King of the Bush!’ The players quivered with fear as he waved his gun around. Thunderbolt laughed and insisted they play for him, but to also pay him to listen to them.
This tale is based on a true story. Thunderbolt robbed the band, but he was also known to repay those he robbed so there is a surprising ending.
Jolly has written the characters well and Duthie’s illustrations brings them to life on the page.
Captain Thunderbolt’s Recital is a fun read that also educates us on a time in history. Great information is squirrelled away at the back of the book to learn more about this story from history.
Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 4
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORI was born in Adelaide in 1957 and raised at Henley Beach (quite often on the beach!) where I attended the local primary and high school. I then went on to Torrens C.A.E. where I spent three years socialising and emerged as a primary school teacher in 1976.
In 1992 I married and now have a 28 year old daughter (and a husband), three adult step-children and six grandchildren. I have now retired after 45 years off being a Primary School classroom teacher.
I have had three children’s picture books published by Limelight Press (Limpopo Lullaby illus. Dee Huxley 2004, Glass Tears illus. Di Wu 2005). Both of these books were listed as Notable Books by the CBCA. Ali the Bold Heart illustrated by Elise Hurst was released on June 1st 2006 .
Captain Thunderbolt’s Recital illustrated by Liz Duthie and published by NLA was released July 1st 2023.
I have a large organic fruit and veg garden. I love eating the fresh produce from my garden. I also love bottling, drying and pickling it. I love eating. Especially chocolate. If I could grow a chocolate tree I would. I have a theory about eating and that is, that our whole lives revolve around eating. Think about it! The last time you went somewhere or met a friend … what did you do? Eat or drink or both!
I also love my chooks! And their big brown eggs. Which I eat!!
P.S. I don’t eat the chooks.
