Yowie Dreaming

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Yowie Dreaming: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure by Margaretta James is a fun story about the Australian Bigfoot—the Yowie. Paisley doesn’t want to move to Kilcoy; she loves the hustle and bustle of Brisbane. Preferring to spend her time alone, she’s not happy when some of her new classmates try to befriend her. But she needs those friends when she stumbles over a baby Yowie who’s gotten lost. When the Yowie comes to the attention of someone who could put it in danger, the friends need to get him away to safety. Aunty Pam is a First Nations Elder, and only she can get them through the forest to where the Yowie’s parents are waiting. What will Paisley learn on this exciting adventure?

Yowie Dreaming by Margaretta James is a fascinating adventure story for younger readers set in Australia. This is well-written with a unique plot and is well-paced, keeping you reading all the way through. Kids will be fascinated by the story, and they’ll learn a lot, not just about the Yowie, but about building friendships against the odds, having courage and resilience, and about Australian cultural heritage, something that’s important and must never be lost. Ms. James has written some amazing characters, real people that young readers will be able to relate to. This is easy to read and follow, and kids will be invested in the story from the first page as they follow Paisley and her bid to reunite the Yowie with its parents. This is fun to read and educational, and I recommend it to all young readers who want to broaden their horizons and learn a little about other cultures.

"Yowie Dreaming" is a fantasy novel by Margaretta James, set in Kilcoy and its surrounding areas in Australia. This captivating story seamlessly blends adventure, mystery, friendship, and environmental awareness.

Paisley Parkinson is a teenager who reluctantly moves from Brisbane to the small town of Kilcoy with her mother and stepfather, Harley, due to her father’s job. Unhappy with the change, Paisley feels frustrated and angry about her new life. Her curiosity is piqued, however, when she encounters a statue of a Yowie—a mythical creature from Australian folklore—that doesn’t match her preconceived notion of the creature.

The narrative takes a thrilling turn when Paisley discovers an injured, young Yowie in a shipping container near her home. She and her new friends, Mikah and Nicco, name the creature "Mr. Yahoo" Separated from his parents after a wildfire, Mr. Yahoo needs help. Paisley, Mikah, and Nicco, aided by Auntie Pam from the Jinibara community and her cousin Jeremiah, embark on a mission to reunite him with his family. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including a dangerous man named Dave who seeks to capture the Yowie.

Brimming with adventure, the plot features forest treks and encounters with natural forces like wildfires and rainstorms. The search for the elusive Yowie adds an extra layer of excitement. James vividly portrays the landscapes of Kilcoy and Jimna, transporting readers into the story’s lush settings. The novel concludes on an emotional and satisfying note as Mr. Yahoo reunites with his parents, and Paisley discovers the value of friendship and family.

Margaretta James' writing is simple, lively, and engaging. She skillfully balances humor, emotion, and adventure. Her vivid, picturesque descriptions of Kilcoy and Jimna’s landscapes immerse readers in the forest’s beauty. The dialogue feels natural, bringing each character’s personality to life. James deserves praise for her respectful and authentic portrayal of the Jinibara culture and the mythical Yowie.

"Yowie Dreaming" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that takes young readers on a journey of adventure, friendship, and cultural understanding. Margaretta James has crafted a story that celebrates the beauty of Kilcoy, honors Jinibara culture, and promotes environmental and community values. This book is perfect for children who love thrilling tales and mysterious creatures and adults seeking a deeper appreciation of Australian culture and nature.

A fascinating account about a long held belief of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Well researched and very enjoyable! A book for junior high school level, but also to be enjoyed by adults as well.

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Yowie Dreaming is a delightful and unexpected gem of a story set in rural Queensland, following the reluctant city-girl Paisley Parkinson as she’s uprooted from Brisbane and planted in Kilcoy, a place famous for its folklore, forests, and, most notably, its elusive Yowie. What starts as a tale of teen angst and culture shock slowly spirals into a warm-hearted, often hilarious, and surprisingly moving story about friendship, trust, community, and the mysteries of the natural world. Paisley’s discovery of a real, live Yowie, whom she and her ragtag crew name Mr. Yahoo, propels the story into mythic territory without losing its grounded, human core.

When I began reading the book, I anticipated light-hearted small-town quirks and perhaps a few humorous nods to Bigfoot folklore. However, Margaretta James delivers something far more layered. From the very first chapter, particularly in Paisley’s scathing reaction to the lackluster statue in Yowie Park. The narrative voice stood out as strikingly genuine. Paisley’s frustration, dry wit, and gradual emotional evolution as she grows more connected to the landscape, her unconventional family, and the enigmatic Mr. Yahoo are portrayed with remarkable nuance. Her perspective is compelling, intelligent, emotionally complex, and deeply relatable

The writing is clear, cozy, and refreshingly no-nonsense. There’s a genuine rhythm to the dialogue, and nothing feels forced or overly stylized. The trio of Paisley, Mikah, and Nicco steals the show. Mikah’s chaotic, ADHD energy and Nicco’s calm, tech-assisted communication balance Paisley’s dry humor. Their friendship feels earned, not tacked on. A scene that stuck with me is when Mikah wraps Mr. Yahoo’s burnt paw in honey and bandages, just calmly doing what needs to be done. That moment of quiet kindness was more touching than any dramatic rescue scene I’ve read in a while.

The ideas in the book, especially around land, Dreamtime stories, and First Nations knowledge, are treated with deep respect but not in a preachy way. Aunty Pam is the heart of this. Her stories about the Jinibara people, the shared land with the Yowies (or joogabinna), and the need for balance really hit me. She says, "Even groups that don’t trust each other have to learn to live side by side." That line lingered. The book isn’t just about discovering a creature. It’s about discovering connection, healing, and how stories, old and new, hold power.

By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for Mr. Yahoo to find his way home, I was rooting for Paisley, too. I wanted her to keep growing, keep questioning, and keep letting people in. The final chapters had me smiling and even when the kids were wading through literal Yowie poo and hiding a mythical beast from angry bogans. There’s whimsy here, but also heart and real stakes.

Yowie Dreaming is for anyone who ever felt like an outsider, who ever loved a mystery, or who just needs a reminder that even the wildest legends might be true. It’s perfect for middle graders, teens, and grown-ups who haven’t lost their sense of wonder.