Blinky Bill facts for kids
|
Copy of the 1939 cover of The Complete Adventures of Blinky Bill by Dorothy Wall
|
|
| Author | Dorothy Wall |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Published | 1933 Angus & Robertson |
| Media type | Illustrated audiobook |
Blinky Bill is a famous koala character from Australian children's books. He was created by an author and artist named Dorothy Wall. Blinky Bill is special because he acts like a human boy, even though he's a koala! This is called being anthropomorphic.
His adventures first appeared in a book in 1933 called Jacko – the Broadcasting Kookaburra. Dorothy Wall illustrated that book. Later, Wall wrote many popular books just about Blinky Bill. These included Blinky Bill: The Quaint Little Australian, Blinky Bill Grows Up, and Blinky Bill and Nutsy. These books are loved by many and are considered classic Australian stories for kids. They have been printed continuously in Australia for a very long time.
What Blinky Bill Stories Are About
Blinky Bill stories are full of fun adventures. Blinky is a cheeky koala who acts like a little boy. He loves to get into mischief! But the stories also teach important lessons about protecting nature and animals. Blinky Bill really loves his mum, and he has many friends.
His friends include his step-sister Nutsy, a kangaroo named Splodge, a platypus called Flap, and a tiny marsupial mouse named Marcia. He also has a wise wombat friend, Mr. Wombat, whom Blinky calls Wombo. Blinky often does things that real koalas might do, mixed with things kids would find exciting.
Dorothy Wall wrote these stories directly to children, almost like she was talking to them. Blinky sometimes even talks to the readers in the introductions! Wall often dedicated her books to 'All the Kind Children'. She also drew all the pictures in her books herself.
The History of Blinky Bill
The very first book, Blinky Bill: The Quaint Little Australian, came out in 1933. It was published by Angus & Robertson. Dorothy Wall based the stories on tales she told her own son, Peter. This first book was 69 pages long and had 15 pages of drawings.
The second book, Blinky Bill Grows Up, was published in 1934. It was a bit longer, with 82 pages and 16 illustrations. The third book, Blinky Bill and Nutsy: Two Little Australians, came out in 1937 and had 115 pages.
Blinky Bill's Adventures Continue
In 1939, a special book called The Complete Adventures of Blinky Bill was first published. This book was so popular that it was reprinted 26 times between 1940 and 1965!
Dorothy Wall also drew Blinky Bill as a comic strip. One famous strip in 1937 was called Blinky Bill's Escapades. It showed Blinky, Nutsy, and Splodge leaving Australia for a special event in England. Wall tried to get newspapers like The Sydney Morning Herald to publish her comics, but it was difficult.
During World War II, paper was hard to find and expensive. Dorothy Wall wanted to write a new Blinky Bill book for Christmas 1940. She first wrote a story where Blinky joined the army as a soldier. However, her publisher didn't like it, saying it was too serious. So, Wall quickly wrote a new version. In this story, Blinky stays in his familiar bush home until the end, when he joins the army as a mascot. This new book, Blinky Bill Joins the Army, was published for Christmas 1940.
After Dorothy Wall passed away in 1942, more Blinky Bill books were released. In December 1942, Blinky Bill's Dress-Up Book was published. Later, in 1947, Blinky Bill's ABC Book and A Tiny Story of Blinky Bill came out. Even in 1977, a Blinky Bill Cookbook was published, with recipes for kids and new drawings based on Wall's original art.
Blinky Bill remains a beloved character, teaching children about friendship, adventure, and the importance of nature.
