Review: Joey Gets His Wings


From the vast red centre of Australia to the war-torn terrain of central Europe, Joey is one of those characters who inadvertently sees more of the world than anyone ever anticipated. And he's not even real. Well, he is to Art. But how exactly does this intrepid little kangaroo traverse so many miles much less survive them? Joey Gets His Wings by Catherine Bauer and Jennifer Horn shines a beguiling light on this incredible tale based on real-life events.

Sweet Joey, the childhood toy of Art begins his tale in Australia's outback under a blue umbrella of sky, just as any young kangaroo might. Together with Art he weathers the melancholy rhythm of country life and shares Art's dream-filled nights of flying off to explore the world. 

When Art is old enough, he joins the Australian Flying Corps and is sent off to the Great War with little else but fierce determination. Fortunately, little Joey with his address-embroidered red scarf and jolly smiling face, accompanies him. Secured to the front of Art's plane, Joey experiences the thrills and tribulations that serving in the Airforce entail - he and Art are living their dreams albeit under embattled circumstances far removed from their normal. Shockingly, those circumstances see Joey torn from Art's plane and plummet to earth one awful day.

Years pass, hope wanes. Joey waits, until one day, he makes one final trip - home.

Joey Gets His Wings is a touching look into the past, to a time when global conflict took on different tones and colours and meaning. What hasn't changed is humanity's need for reassuring comfort and support no matter how adverse the circumstances, like the need to go to war. During the First World War, many soldiers carried small mascots - beloved toys, trinkets - from home to maintain their connection with those they loved and remind them who they were fighting for. Joey, the little toy kangaroo represents this connection along with devotion and love. 

Bauer's prose floats with sensitivity, gracefully escorting young readers through Art's aspirations, dreams and despair. The horrors of war are not belaboured rather beautifully juxtaposed alongside images of Australia; her sunburnt hills and scented gum trees, erstwhile images of a harsh and unforgiving land now possessing visceral appeal.

These impressions come to life through Horn's thoughtful line and watercolour wash illustrations. Amid a subtle palette of dusky hues, Art's vivid blonde locks and Joey's vibrant red scarf sharpen visual focus and identity encouraging littlies to connect deeply with both characters. The result is a historically-based picture book with a lovely pervading sense of hope that successfully portrays one of the many colours of heroism. 

Title: Joey Gets His Wings
Author: Catherine Bauer
Illustrator: Jennifer Horn
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, $24.99
Publication Date: 7 September 2026
Format:  Hardcover
ISBN:  9781923720107
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book
        
Buy the Book:  Big Sky Publishing, Simon & Schuster

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