Ethel Pedley was a violinist and music teacher. Dot and the Kangaroo was published in London in 1899, about a year after her death. Angus & Robertson published it for the first time in Australia in 1906. Ethel's love and respect for the bush may have stemmed from her visits to her brother Arthur's station, Morundah, near Walgett, New South Wales.

From the publishers of SNUGGLEPOT AND CUDDLEPIE, BLINKY BILL, THE MAGIC PUDDING and THE MUDDLEHEADED WOMBAT comes the classic Australian tale of DOT AND THE KANGAROO. Lost and afraid in the darkening bush, Dot is befriended by a kind Kangaroo. She eats the berries of understanding and is then able to communicate with all the bush creatures, who eventually guide her home. the captivating tale of DOt AND tHE KANGAROO is told by Ethel Pedley with the magic that has made this book an Australian favourite since it was first published in 1899. 'Dot and the Kangaroo is without doubt one of the most charming books that could be put in the hands of a child. It is admirably illustrated by Frank P. Mahony, who seems to have entered thoroughly into the spirit of this beautiful journey into the world of Australia. the story is altogether Australian.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 1899 Now, as then, children will be enthralled by this oldest of Australian classics, and it will endure to entertain generations to come.