Tubowgule
A Sydney Opera House History

by Melissa Jane Fogarty

illustrated by Dylan Finney

Published by Lothian Books (Hachette Australia)
ISBN 9780734423351

If you haven't heard the name Tubowgule before, this is the original name for the land now known as Bennelong Point and where the iconic Sydney Opera House stands.

In this thoughtfully illustrated picture book the author tells the story of this land from pre-colonial times to the modern day.

The story about the Sydney Opera House as an international icon is told about the rich history on the land on which it is built from the timeline of the indigenous people, to the arrival of the British with the first Fleet Convicts and to settle a Colony.

Included is the brief story about the meeting with Bunalung - who we now known as Bennelong and the granting of his request to build a hut by Governor Arthur Philip and what happened to the hut after Bunalung visited Great Britain.

Told in easy to understand language for the age group, it continues with the building and later demolishing of a Fort. The design of the Fort by the convict architect Francis Greenaway and what happened to it and its replacement and the years in between, before and after the international competition for the design for the Sydney Opera House.

An abridged story of Jørn Utzon, architect of the Sydney Opera House is included as well as the celebrations once this magnificent building was completed.

This an informative picture book for ages 5 onwards, I would stretch the onwards to 8 or 9 years, Five year olds will most likely need an older sibling or parent to read with the child

The author

Melissa-Jane Fogarty is a kidlit author/illustrator and freelance editor and writer. She's of Mununjali descent, living on Darkinjung land, NSW, Australia. She has a Masters in Publishing from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Newcastle and is a graduate of the Children's Book Academy as well as The Australian Writers' Centre

The illustrator

Dylan Finney is an Australian-born graphic designer and artist. He is a proud descendant of the Yanula and Mara clans, and also has English and Irish heritage. He lives on Darkinjung land. His work explores identity and culture - inspired by people, places, animals, light and colour.