About the Author

Christobel Mattingley is one of Australia's most respected and admired writers. The award-winning author of more than thirty-five books for children, Christobel Mattingley's readership spans more than one generation. Awards include the 1982 CBCA Junior Book of the Year Award for Rummage. Other award-winning books include Windmill at Magpie Creek; The Miracle Tree; The Angel with a Mouth Organ; No Gun for Asmir; and The Race (an Honour Book in the 1996 CBCA Picture Book of the Year awards). The Magic Saddle is widely regarded as a children's classic.

In 1990 she received an Advance Australia medal for her contribution to literature in Australia, and in 1996 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to literature, particularly children's literature, and for community service through her commitment to social and cultural issues. In 1999 she was the winner of the Pheme Tanner Award.

In 2014, Christobel Mattingley was honoured with the University of Tasmania Distinguished Alumni Award.

Reviews

'as vivid as it is realistic...Christobel Mattingley has struck a dramatically effective balance between the personal experience and historical context in which David moves...factual without being sterile, imaginative without being hyperbolic and wry without any trace of bitterness.'Weekend Australian, 7-8 April 2007'a gripping reconstruction...of those dark days, of stringent food shortages, or air crews' bravery and fears...aimed...at young readers but it is a gripping read for any age.'Examiner, 14 April 2007