作者: Ethel C. Pedley

Ethel Charlotte Pedley (1859–1898) was an English-born Australian writer and musician, remembered primarily for her contributions to children”s literature. Pedley settled in Australia and became an influential figure in musical education, establishing a successful music school in Sydney. Her most beloved work, “Dot and the Kangaroo” (1899), published posthumously, reflects her deep affinity for Australian wildlife and her concern for its preservation. The narrative follows the adventures of a young girl, Dot, who gets lost in the Australian bush and is befriended by a kind-hearted kangaroo. The kangaroo not only guides Dot back to safety but also educates her about the various native animals they encounter, and the challenges they face due to human actions. Pedley”s writing style combines a blend of fantasy and environmentalism, and her work has been noted for its vivid portrayal of the Australian landscape, which played a seminal role in Australian children”s literature. “Dot and the Kangaroo” has also been adapted into a popular animated film in 1977, further cementing her legacy. Pedley”s commitment to showcasing indigenous flora and fauna and promoting conservation, at a time when such topics were rarely addressed in children”s literature, makes her a pioneer in intertwining ecological concerns with storytelling.