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Book cover of Possum Magic
Fiction - Animals - Mammals, Fiction - Island Peoples, Places & Cultures, Fiction - General & Miscellaneous

Possum Magic

by

Overview

Grandma Poss uses her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more. “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.”—Children’s Book Review Service

When Grandma Poss's magic turns Hush invisible, the two possums take a culinary tour of Australia to find the food that will make her visible once more.

Synopsis

Grandma Poss uses her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more. “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.”—Children’s Book Review Service

Children's Literature

An international bestseller, Possum Magic casts two Australian bush possums in starring roles but also features wombats, dingoes, and emus, rendered endearing by Julie Vivas' soft-toned watercolors. In addition to introducing Australian animals, Fox takes her possums on an eating adventure in search of the Australian foods-vegemite sandwiches, pavlovas, and lamingtons-that will work a necessary magic. The book provides a warm, wonderful first exploration of Australia!

About the Author, Mem Fox

MEM FOX is the author of many acclaimed books, including Possum Magic, Koala Lou, Time for Bed, and, for adults, Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. She lives in Adelaide, Australia.

Reviews

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May 3, 2026 (edited)
Possum Magic by Mem Fox is a warm, playful Australian classic with a lovely sense of wonder. The story follows Grandma Poss and Hush as they travel around Australia searching for the food that will make Hush visible again. Its charm comes from the simple magical idea, the affectionate relationship between the two possums, and the way it celebrates Australian animals, places, and foods.

Julie Vivas’s illustrations add a soft, whimsical feel that suits the story beautifully. It is especially good as a read-aloud book for young children, with enough humour and rhythm to keep them engaged. A sweet, memorable picture book that feels distinctly Australian.

Editorials

Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum

An international bestseller, Possum Magic casts two Australian bush possums in starring roles but also features wombats, dingoes, and emus, rendered endearing by Julie Vivas' soft-toned watercolors. In addition to introducing Australian animals, Fox takes her possums on an eating adventure in search of the Australian foods-vegemite sandwiches, pavlovas, and lamingtons-that will work a necessary magic. The book provides a warm, wonderful first exploration of Australia!

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2 Grandma Poss uses bush magic to make Hush invisible, but when Hush wants to see herself again, Grandma can't remember which particular Australian food is needed to reverse the spell. Traveling around the continent in search of an antidote, Grandma and Hush sample Anzac biscuits, mornay, vegemite, and pavlova until the right delicacy is found. Although the characters, locales, and vocabulary are thoroughly Australian, Possum Magic has universal appeal. Fox chooses her words carefully, making readers believe that certain foods just might be magical. Vivas uses a variety of techniques, including splatter painting and washes to create full- and double-page watercolor illustrations which complement the text and will entrance readers. A perfect choice for storytimes, but also useful for curriculum enrichment, thanks to a simplified map and glossary. Jeanette Larson, Mesquite Public Library, Tex.

Book Details

Published
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages
32
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780152632243