Yes, we really did have a lady bushranger. Her name was Jessie Hickman. Born in 1890, she grew up as part of a travelling circus, becoming a champion roughrider and ring mistress. After being sent to jail for a petty theft, she becomes a notorious cattle duffer and gang leader. She uses her incredible horse-riding skills to outwit the police and makes her home in a cave, now part of the Wollemi National Park.

This story is told through the eyes of two modern-day children who know the story and are looking for the cave. As they run through the bush, they say …

Let’s follow the whispers, through the creeping Undergrowth that prickles at our knees. We climb through bracken, scrambling up rocks. We sense her watching, Silent in the shadows.

As you can see, the story is told in beautiful poetic language. But it’s not only the language which charms us, it’s the incredible full-page illustrations wooing us away to another time and bringing the story to life. And, of course, she is watching. The lady bushranger, Jessie Hickman.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 3+