The Stories We Grew Up On: Featuring Karli Riesen
In honor of Children's Book Week, our Meg Team members are sharing the books and stories that impacted them as young readers!
For almost 80 years, the CBCA has been celebrating and commemorating the incredible impact and significance of children’s literature through a beloved one-week event known as Children’s Book Week. This year, the Meg Team takes a walk down memory lane, recalling the “Stories We Grew Up On.” These books and stories ignited our imaginations and left an everlasting impact.
Let’s continue with Karli Riesen, Meg’s Program Coordinator!
1. Karli, what is a book, story, or series that impacted your life as a young reader?
Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan. Wombat Stew follows a cheeky dingo who is attempting to make a stew base to eat the wombat, two very Australian animals.
2. Describe how you remember reading/being read this book, e.g. how did you “grow up on this book?”
Growing up regionally we had dingos who would often sneak onto our farm looking for food, or even raise their families by the lake. As small kids it was a book that felt very reflective of where I lived, whilst also inspiring my brother and I to get out and attempt to make our own ‘stews’ from whatever we found lying around.
3. What is your favourite quote, image, or character from this book or story?
My favourite quote is when the Dingo goes to test the stew at the end and says “Daargruffooee! You’ve poisoned me!” As a small child I found this line hilarious!
4. Did this book inspire you or impact you in any way?
This book really reaffirmed the Australian, country way of living. Looking out for your mates, and doing small things to help a mate in need that builds up to a collective effort to save that mate.
5. Why do you recommend this book to others?
I think it’s a wonderfully illustrated Australian book that is funny. It shows Australian flora and fauna in a cheeky way and also teaches some good morals.