Logan Then and Now by Karen Tyrrell – a review

Today I’m sharing my review of a new picture book Logan Then and Now, written by Karen Tyrrell and illustrated by Megan Forward. The book was commissioned by Quota Beenleigh.

About the author Karen Tyrrell

Karen Tyrrell is a Brisbane child-empowerment author, Children’s Rights Ambassador and key-note speaker, who creates books to empower kids to live STRONG. Karen’s books Let’s Play and Andy & Ghost Boy were shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Awards AND Forevabilty Awards respectively.

Children’s Rights QLD appointed Karen an Ambassador. Her role is to educate the community and empower children on their rights to be happy, healthy and safe.

Karen Tyrrell author has won 4 awards, 7 grants, and a mentorship from Society of Editors QLD.

Her children’s books, Bailey Beats the Blah and STOP the Bully, are endorsed by Kids Helpline. Harry Helps Grand-pa Remember won a RADF grant and is endorsed by Alzheimer’s Australia. Karen won an Arts Queensland grant and a sponsorship for picture book, Ready Set Discover Logan. with themes of inclusion and diversity.

About the book Logan Then and Now

The blurb

Sweetie, Martha and Jacob are eager to explore the City of Logan.

What surprises will they discover?

Grab a copy of LOGAN: Then and Now and uncover Logan’s history, attractions, parklands and rivers.

Full of wonder and optimism, this book provides an inspiring trail guide for children and families to enjoy the City of Logan.

Logan Then and Now was commissioned by Quota Beenleigh.

It was published by Digital Future Press in 2024

It is suitable for primary aged children and has links to the HASS Australian Curriculum.

 What I like about Logan Then and Now

Logan Then and Now is an excellent way to introduce the children of Logan to the history of their local area. It will help them develop an appreciation for local landmarks and an understanding of what is and what has gone before.

On the first page, we are introduced to Sweety, a sugar glider, who in turn invites us to meet two children, Jacob and Martha, who will accompany us on our exploration of Logan. Sugar gliders are quite common in the Logan area, so Sweety is an appropriate guide and children will enjoy finding Sweety on each page.

The story (history) of the Logan area begins thousands of years ago with the Yugambeh people and continues through to the present day as the area was developed. I like the way the landmarks are explored by Jacob and Martha as the history is being told.

Readers are encouraged to explore the area in person too, and the book would be a useful trail guide as they do so. It would also encourage readers to identify landmarks and comment on their history as they are out and about.

It is a great way of helping history come alive for children. While they may be reading about it in a book, they can also immerse themselves in and become a part of it, realising that they too are a part of the developing story. It may encourage them to think about the changes that have occurred or may occur during their lifetimes. It may also encourage them to discuss with parents and grandparents the changes they have seen.

Another positive aspect of the book is the detail of its illustrations which include maps, drawings and photographs of the present as well as the past.

At the back of the book, Australia’s National Anthem Advance Australia Fair is presented in the Yugambeh language as well as English.

While I think this book is a great resource for teachers and students living in the Logan area, I think teachers and students in other areas will also find it useful as a model for researching and recording the history of their own areas.

Note: The sugar glider’s name has two spellings: Sweetie in the blurb and Sweety in the text.

Purchase Logan Then and Now

Find out more about Karen Tyrrell on her website, and purchase your own copy of Logan Then and Now with FREE teacher notes from Sue Warren www.karentyrrell.com/mybooks.