Joey Gets His Wings
Reviewed By Nan van Dissel September 22, 2026
Author Catherine Bauer. Illustrations Jennifer Horn
Distributor: AmazonAU
ISBN: 9781923720107
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing
Release Date: 7 September 2026
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In 1915 South Australian Elliott Fredrick Pflaum enlisted and joined the Australian Flying Corps. Like many going off to fight on foreign soil, he took along a mascot which was his small toy kangaroo; a little taste of home. It is most appropriate that a prominent award winning South Australian author, should base her recent delightful children’s picture book “Joey Gets his Wings” on this practice by World War I soldiers. Catherine Bauer’s main character Art was inspired by her own grandfather.
Even as a young boy Art had shared his dream of becoming a pilot with his toy kangaroo Joey. It wasn’t surprising that when World War I broke out, that Art left home to join the Australian Flying Corps. He didn’t go alone. Art’s mother, after sewing his address onto his scarf, tucked Joey into his flying bag. Even when flying over terrain, which was vastly different from that of his home in Australia’s red centre, he had only to touch Joey’s red scarf to bring the memories of home come flooding back.
During one fierce battle Joey slipped from his place behind the engine and disappeared. How will Art cope without Joey and will Joey ever find his way back home?
Using a distinctive “Quentin-Blake” style of pen outlines and rich water colour, freelance illustrator Jennifer Horn’s whimsical illustrations bring this powerful moving narrative alive.
This gentle story about war can be enjoyed by children of all ages as it can be read and enjoyed at may levels. Younger children will identify with the importance of a treasured soft toy and the distress caused by its loss, while older children will appreciate the experience of Art in a foreign country fighting a war thousands of miles from home.
This charming picture book is a must for all libraries. The helpful information at the conclusion of the story, will provide parents, teachers and librarians with ideas for a follow-up discussion with older children.