Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
Jean, Our Little Australian Cousin
"Our Little Australian Cousin" by Mary F. Nixon-Roulet is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Jean Hume, a young girl who emigrates from Scotland to Australia with her family in search of a better life. As they adapt to their new surroundings, the narrative explores themes of adventure, resilience, and cultural interactions, particularly with the Indigenous people of Australia. At the start of the book, Jean and her brother Fergus are on a ship journey from Scotland to Australia, where their father intends to try his fortune in farming after a financial setback. Upon their arrival, they are captivated by the lively streets of Melbourne, which is markedly different from their expectations of wildness. However, the tranquility is soon disrupted by their journey into the bush, where Jean encounters a series of challenges, including a harrowing experience of being lost and later befriending a young Indigenous boy named Kadok. The opening sets the stage for an engaging exploration of Jean's adventures and her development as she navigates her new life in Australia.