The Smallest Bilby and the Midnight Star

Nette Hilton (author) 

Bruce Whatley (illustrations)

Working Title Press, Australia: 2006

ISBN: 187628871X

Genres: animals. fantasy, picture book

Issues: determination, identity, love

The smallest bilby loves all the stars in the midnight sky but the one he loves most of all is very small, like he is.

He longs to give her a kiss to show her how much he loves her but he is too small, he can't reach her, even when he stands on the biggest rock at the top of the hill. What is he to do? With help from the other young bilbies, a lot of faith and a little bit of magic, it seems that anything is possible.

This is a charming story that will capture the imagination of the very young. The language is full of wonder and love and captures the whole-hearted enthusiasm of youngsters involved in something that's caught their imagination. Bilbies are comical looking creatures and the Bruce Whatley's pen and ink wash illustrations convey this beautifully, as well as having a slightly whimsical air that echoes the innocence of the smallest bilby.