In this narrative verse novel about a family on a dairy farm in Australia times are very hard because of long-term drought. It is Ruby’s voice we hear as she learns to join in the serious and important activities of a dairy farm involving birth, death and sacrifice. Beautifully written the descriptive verse conjures up images, sounds, smells and feelings associated with life on a dairy farm.

It’s a story of hope and hardship told from a child’s point of view. Readers who grew up on a dairy farm or are living on one now, will closely relate to Ruby’s lifestyle. For the city folk, the book represents a delightful ‘camera’ into the daily life on a dairy farm.

Reviewed by Pauline

Flickr image by  publicenergy