Bill of Billabong

Bill of BillabongBill of Billabong by Mary Grant Bruce

Bill of Billabong is actually about red-haired Percival, a belligerent nine-year-old.  His aunt and uncle send him in desperation to ‘Billabong’.  They’ve been having a hard time minding him whist his parents travel overseas.

Percival hates his name and his hair, and is sure that the world is unkind and always laughing at him.  He remains an unhappy nuisance.  Stealing a bottle of brown wool dye he likes his new hair colour—that is, until it dries!  Embarrassed, he dreads facing the Lintons, but amazingly Jim is kind.  Jim takes him to Norah, who lives with Wally nearby in ‘Little Billabong’.  They set about repairing the damage to the boy’s hair, and to his pride.  They rename him “Bill”, taking him under their wings.  Wally and Norah teach him about the country and animals they love, how to care for everything, and even how to ride a horse.  Bill is completely won over, proving himself a willing learner and capable little mate.

Everyone likes young Bill.  They are pleased to have him along on an extended camping trip to explore new country beyond the ‘Billabong’ boundaries.  It is an exciting time for all.  But it is very worrying when Bill goes missing for several days.  He has an unexpected and difficult adventure of his own, involving the Walker family.


The Trustee of The Mary Grant Bruce Family Trust owns the extant copyrights to this story.

First Published in: 1931
First Publisher: Ward, Lock & Co. Limited
Places First Published: London and Melbourne

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