One hundred years ago, yes way back in 1921, a little fella called Ginger Meggs was born. He started his life in a newspaper comic strip as a skinny little kid bowling a cricket ball and went on to become famous and well loved all around the world. In 1932 when the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened, Ginger is featured crossing the bridge in one of the year’s comic strips and in the ’40s, during World War II, Australian fighter pilots painted Ginger Meggs on the side of their fighter planes as a symbol of good luck and pride. In 1982 the first official Ginger Meggs movie was released.

Sadly, in 1952, Jimmy Bancks, whose cartoons are responsible for this cheeky redhead, died. Thankfully, his great, great nephew, Tristan Bancks, has taken up the challenge and written four brand-new Ginger Meggs stories. Every page in this book is illustrated in full colour by another Ginger Meggs fan, Jason Chatfield.

In the first few pages we meet Ginger’s mates, his rivals and his family and then straight into the first new scary story, ‘Dead Man’s Hill’. And what could be more scary than an out-of-control homemade billycart missing one wheel and heading for a spectacular splash in a ditch below! In another story we meet Mr Canehard, Ginger’s teacher, who looms over him saying, ‘You’ll either be Prime Minister one day, Ginger Meggs, or you’ll end up in jail. Possibly both.’ After the stories there are six pages of a fascinating timeline of Ginger’s life from 1889 to 2021.

I’m sure that Ginger will be around for another 100 years. His story is an incredible and important part of our history. My hope is that you and your children will enjoy it as much as I have.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide From 0 to 100+