The Green Laurel (1963) is a novel for children by Australian author Eleanor Spence; it was illustrated by Geraldine Spence. It won the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1964.[1]
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Eleanor Spence |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Geraldine Spence |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fiction |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Publication date | 1963 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 181pp |
| Preceded by | Lillipilly Hill |
| Followed by | The Year of the Currawong |
Story outline edit
The novel centres on a girl whose father runs a fair-ground train at a holiday resort. Illness forces him to give up his job and the family move to a Sydney suburb close to a migrant camp.
Critical reception edit
Writing in The Canberra Times K. Masterman noted: "The interesting and fascinating story brings out well the character of the two contrasted environments, and without any suggestion of preaching establishes the sound values that are felt without needing to be expressed in this writer's work."[2]
Awards edit
- 1964 – winner Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers