‘Star of Anise’ is a story about different cultures that came to the Australian outback in the 1850s. This story is set then as young Australians Annie and Arthur eagerly await Bhagwan Singh’s wagon full of enticing items, including ‘silks from Kasmir, soaps from Morocco, and spices from Ceylon.’ Clever alliteration like this features throughout. The children excitedly examine the items crowded inside the wagon. They know Mum would want silk to sew a dress, and Dad would want a work shirt. Annie is mesmerised by a hair comb and Arthur eyes a penknife. What they especially enjoy is Rhagwan’s spinning sugar into fairy floss, which melts in their mouth.
Customs are seamlessly woven into this story of cultural exchange. Seated upon his rug, Bhagwan unwinds his turban revealing his long ebony hair. He passes his turban on to the children who take it to their mother for washing. Cooking his meal in a pot over the fire, Bhagwan creates a traditional dish from his country. The flavour comes from a small brown star called ‘chakra phool,’ smelling of liquorice, bark and a ‘faraway’ smell. In Australia, it is called ‘star anise.’ Tasting Bhagwan’s dish, Annie’s tastebuds ‘tingled and sizzled’ offering the reader a strong sense of taste and smell. As Bhagwan and his wagon depart—silks flying, pots and pans clinking and clanging, Bhagwan sings a traditional song while Jane Jolly’s alliterative language continues her appealing language experience for readers.
At the back of the book are four pages of historical information and photographs about the Afghans and Sikhs, who sold their goods to Australians. Also described is the relationship between the white settlers and these traders along with their burial customs. The National Library of Australia holds additional photographs and historical information about the lifestyles of the hawkers, many of which can be accessed online.
Di Wu’s illustration style reflects his Chinese background. Here he uses soft pastel watercolours and pencil to capture the particular landscape and lifestyle of Bhagwan and the children. To ensure authenticity, Di Wu worked from photographs to capture the children’s clothing and accurate details about the hawkers.
Picture Books for Older Readers
