There was a redback on the toilet seat
When I was there last night,
I didn’t see him in the dark, But boy I felt his bite!
This song was written by West Australian singer/songwriter Slim Newton in the 1970s and has been popular ever since. Now it has been brought to life in picture book format with the humorous illustration work of Craig Smith, one of Australia’s foremost children’s book illustrators.
Part of the Aussie Gems series from Omnibus, Smith’s interpretation of the song lyrics add to the humour, with the story acted out by a pair of cane toads (the victim of the spider bite, and his wife), and a cast of native Australian animals including crocodiles, kangaroos and possums. With the growing concern in Australia at the spread of the feral cane toad, an adult reader might see the additional humour in the redback getting revenge on the intruder, whilst child readers will enjoy spotting the different animals.
Like other titles in the series, Redback on the Toilet Seat is a square hardcover offering, with flocked sheep on the cover adding a touch and feel element which kids of all ages will enjoy.
A great Aussie offering.
Aussie Gems: Redback on the Toilet Seat, by Slim Newton and Craig Smith
Omnibus, 2008
This book can be purchased online at Fishpond . Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.