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To the Bridge
By Corinne Fenton and Illustrated by Andrew McLean
Nine-year-old Lennie Gwyther dreamed of seeing the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With his father’s blessing, he rode his pony Ginger Mick over one thousand kilometres from Leongatha in Victoria to Sydney, inspiring crowds of supporters to greet him in cities along the way. Through rugged bushland, fires and storms, Lennie and Ginger Mick finally arrived to see the bridge that had captivated his imagination and inspired his brave journey. It was then that he and Ginger Mick became a legend.
- A natural for schools, libraries and museums, this is a kid-friendly narration that captures a slice of Sydney’s history and the history of its iconic bridge.
- This inspiring historical story is about persistence, resilience, bravery, courage and hope. It’s about pursuing a dream and the impact that journey can have on those who follow.
Kids’ Book Review
Overall, this book is an impressive tribute to resilience and persistence. I understand that a statue of Lennie and Ginger Mick was erected in Leongatha, and I can understand why. Nearly ninety years later, this story is still as fresh and inspirational as it was when Lennie reached his goal.
Read the entire review at Kids’ Book Review
Cherie Bell
To the Bridge: The Journey of Lennie and Ginger Mick is wonderfully told. It makes this non-fiction story accessible, interesting and inspiring. I really think many children will be fascinated by the characters and events and will remember the story for many years, and perhaps even tell it to their children.
Read the entire review at Reading Time
Herald Sun’s Top 10 Comforting Picture Books to Read at Home
Share a true-blue piece of history – how Lennie Gwyther, 9, and his pony Ginger Mick trekked thousands of kilometres from Leongatha in Victoria to join the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening pageant in 1932.
Olivia Buxton – The Little Book Collector
I cried my eyes out reading this story, this brave adventure of 9 year old Lennie and his 9 year old pony, Ginger Mick.These two journeyed from Leongatha to Sydney to see Lennie’s dream, the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Maybe I cried because I have a 9 year old and the thoughtof her being brave and following her dreams makes me totally emo, but also it made me tear up with hope too. The Harbour Bridge was built during the Great Depression,it took 9 years to complete and it gave those who were involved in its construction purpose and work in creating our iconic bridge. I think we are headed for similarly epic times, and I’m definitely grasping for hope and inspiration wherver I can, and here I found some in this little book. What a shining little gem.
Educate.Empower.
This book is a great tool to use in the classroom to explore transport, Australian history and the landscape. It also explores family life before modern communication and medicine and what determination and perseverance can look like.
The story is written beautifully and the illustrations match impeccably.
Sharon Greenaway
Beautiful rendition of a story that captures the heart and mind of both a young boy and a young country.
Fran Knight
Highly recommended. This is the amazing story of nine year old Lennie Gwyther who rode his horse, Ginger Mick from Leongatha to Sydney to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a journey of six hundred miles.
Sue Warren (Just So Stories)
If ever there was a story to inspire kids to follow their dreams this surely has to be one that is right up there with the best.
This is a book that will completely fascinate your readers and will provide them with an insight into a period of Australian history that was very grim but was also a time of hope with so many doing their best to rally in community spirit.
Absolutely a cracking book for your collection and so highly recommended for your readers from around 7 years upwards.
Rhyllis Bignell
Corinne Fenton’s beautifully descriptive story To the Bridge captures the feel of the countryside, the struggles of farm life and the true spirit of Australia. There is a sense of pride, as she captures the determination of a young boy’s achievements, his determination to complete an arduous journey and inspire hope in times of adversity. Andrew McLean’s sweeping landscapes, his beautiful pen and watercolour illustrations add depth to Fenton’s story.
Books Kids Love
This is an amazing true story that brings tears to my eyes every time I read it!
Kids Books We Love
SPECIAL AUSSIE STORY that’s uplifting and I hope one day the true story will be made into a FILM and I get to see it! SUCH A WORTHY READ ♥️♥️♥️
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Buy the book
$26.99 (AU), $29.99 (NZ)