1. Australia
2. Autobiographies
3. Emotions
4. Family
5. History
6. Migration
7. Moving house
8. Seas and oceans
9. Travel

In the early 1960s author, Carole Wilkinson moved with her family from England to Australia. They came as part of the scheme called ‘The United Kingdom – Australia Free and Assisted Passage Agreement or as many Australians called them ‘Ten pound Poms’.

The story is told from Carole’s point of view. She takes us through the emotional wrench of leaving their home, friends, and family. They are sailing to Australia on the SS ‘Arcadia’. Carole describes the ship as ‘like a huge floating hotel’ at first however seasickness prevents her enjoying its wonders. There is food aplenty and activities for adults and children alike, music, dancing, movies, deck games and swimming. At intervals we are told how many miles they have travelled and have descriptions the various exotic sounding stops on the voyage, Naples, Port Said, Aden, Columbo.

The first stop in Australia is Fremantle but Carole and her family are headed to Adelaide where they have family. Here they find life quite different to England. The houses are single story or’ bungalows’ and there are strange and not so safe creatures like red-back spiders and the occasional snake. Carole’s family buy a new house near the beach and they are reunited with their belongings. She now has her own room, more pocket money and a beach. ‘Perhaps living in Australia won’t be so bad.’

Liz Anelli’s mixed media artwork compliments the story perfectly. There are images of historical ephemera associated with England and the places they pass through on their voyage, maps, sketches, and images reminiscent of photographs they may have taken. As they progress to warmer climes, the sky changes to blue culminating in the double page beach spread. The endpapers show details of the household goods they packed for their move.

At the end of the book there is information about the assisted migrant scheme, the SS ‘Arcadia’, an explanatory glossary and an index.

Walker Books Australia ‘Our stories’ series

1. Carole Wilkinson October 2017. Teacher notes and ideas for ‘Ten pound Pom by Carole Wilkinson and Liz Anelli http://carolewilkinson.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ten-Pound-Pom-Classroom-Ideas.pdf
2. Kids’ Book Review October 28, 2017. Review of ‘Ten pound Pm’ by Carole Wilkinson and Liz Anelli http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2017/10/review-ten-pound-pom.html
3. Writing NSW July 24, 2019. Lucie Towers reviews ‘Ten pound Pom’ by Carole Wilkinson and Liz Anelli https://writingnsw.org.au/ten-pound-pom-by-carole-wilkinson/
4. Reading Time February 14, 2018. Julie Murphy reviews ‘Ten pound Pom’ by Carole Wilkinson and Liz Anelli http://readingtime.com.au/ten-pound-pom/
5. Museums Victoria. Post WW11 British immigration to Australia https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/13640
6. ABC Education November 10, 2021 ‘Ten Pound Poms’ https://www.abc.net.au/education/ten-pound-poms/13625030