Canberra - Federal capital by Tracey Hawkins

Our stories. Black Dog Books, 2013. ISBN 9781922179319.
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Non fiction. Canberra. Australian history. Australian city. A wonderfully entertaining and informative text tells readers and researchers about Canberra's beginnings as an Aboriginal community, then sheep station and later becoming the nation's capital. It hints at the struggle for Federation and the reasons behind the decision to site the capital there. In double page spreads with several paragraphs and a range of illustrations on each side, the book includes such topics as, Australian War Memorial, Australian Parliament and Government, National treasures and so on. Each topic gives a neatly rounded overview and pictures to match. Any student would have a variety of information at their fingertips, and someone travelling there would be excited by what this book offers.
Watch out for the fascinating piece on the Heritage Trail, and the stunning photos of older buildings in Canberra, particularly The Lodge and Yarralumla, while the information on Diplomatic Missions gave insight into why these places are there.
A brief but serviceable glossary and index cover the last page and the publications page has a list of websites from which more information can be gathered.
Altogether a wonderful introduction to our capital, presented in an attractive format used with great success by Black Dog Books.
Fran Knight