Lennie the Legend: Solo to Sydney by Pony (Stephanie Owen Reeder, NLA)

Lennie Gwyther has a dream to ride his pony from his small home town of Leongatha to Sydney. He wants to be there for the opening of an architectural miracle—the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This fictionalised true story follows nine-year-old Lennie as he makes the journey with his pony Ginger Mick, and is used as a way to explore important moments in Australia’s history. The Sydney Harbour Bridge represents hope to Lennie and to millions of other Australians still suffering the effects of World
War I and the Great Depression. Interspersed between each chapter is information and photos covering key points of historical significance. Lennie the Legend is well written, and it’s easy to get caught up in Lennie’s journey—he is a likeable character, too preoccupied with his dream to get caught up in his potential fame. However, many of the climactic moments in the story are fleeting. While there are limitations with length given the book’s intended primary-school audience, the difficulties Lennie faces on the way to Sydney could have been expanded to really demonstrate his courage and determination. This book is ideal for the classroom and offers an easy introduction to Australian history for young readers.

Bec Kavanagh is a Melbourne based writer, reviewer and education consultant

Category: Reviews