Did you know about the fossilised prawn in the Marble Foyer of Parliament House? Or that Australia was one of the first places in the world to introduce the secret ballot during elections? Or do you want to know a bit more about how laws are made? How about knowing that Australia is one of the few countries that has compulsory voting?
Australian democracy comes alive for young readers in There’s a Prawn in Parliament House. Every question about democracy, voting, government and more is answered in this book. It provides an accessible explanation of how our democracy works, with helpful glossaries at the back that explain terms unique to Parliament – words readers might not encounter in everyday life.
Using her own knowledge and thorough research, along with her distinctive humour and writing style, Annabel Crabb ensures this book is both entertaining while being informative. It tackles tricky subjects, such as why women and Indigenous people didn’t have the vote until the 20th century, and explains them clearly, making democracy easier to understand for many readers. It even references the much-anticipated democracy sausage!
This is an essential book for young readers, helping them understand our wonderful democracy – all delivered with Annabel Crabb’s signature flair.
Reviewed by Ashleigh Meikle
Age Guide 10+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annabel Crabb is a writer and presenter for the ABC. She’s also a keen amateur podcaster and co-hosts the inexplicably popular Chat 10, Looks 3 podcast with her colleague Leigh Sales, who lends credibility to the exercise. Annabel has worked extensively in newspapers, radio and TV as a political journalist and won a Walkley Award for Stop At Nothing: The Life and Adventures of Malcolm Turnbull.
She published a bestselling book about gender and work, The Wife Drought in 2014, and has published two cookbooks with childhood friend Wendy Sharpe, the latest of which is Special Guest.
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