“Once upon a time, but not very long ago, deep in the Australian bush, there lived two possums. Their names were Hush and Grandma Poss. Grandma Poss made bush magic…”
Possum Magic is about Grandma Poss and Hush, two possums who embark on a journey around Australia to find the right “people food” to make Hush visible again. They visit every capital city in Australia except Canberra, trying different foods in each one.
Since Possum Magic was first published in 1983 it has become a world best seller, with over three million copies sold. Written by Mem Fox with gorgeous illustrations by Julie Vivas, this book has become beloved by hundreds of thousands of Australian children, and more children around the world.
In 2004, for the Possum Magic’s 21st birthday, Vivas touched up and recoloured her pictures and the book was republished in new editions. In 2008 a new hardback edition was published to celebrated 25 years in print.
Possum Magic lends itself to literary activities for classrooms or individuals for almost all primary school ages. Younger students might think about how Hush feels and how they would feel, while older children might research the different Australian cities and foods, plan their own journey on the map in the back of the book, or research other Australian animals.
Following is a selection of literary activities students could undertake at home, or in groups in a classroom. At the bottom of the page is a list of other websites with literary and other educational activities associated with Possum Magic.
Literary Activities
Answer the following questions either in writing or in a group discussion:
- Were you glad when Hush became visible again? Did you wish she could remain invisible? What would you do if you were invisible? How do you think it would feel?
- How did Hush feel when Grandma Poss realise she couldn’t make Hush visible again?
- Why did Poss tell Grandma Poss she didn’t mind when “in her heart of hearts, she did”?
- Can you remember all the cities Hush and Grandma Poss visited? What State or Territory was each city in?
- What would Hush and Grandma Poss find if they visited your town or city today? What would they eat? If you live in a city that they did visit, back in 1983, what would be different if they came today?
- There is one word capitalised in Possum Magic. Why do you think that is?
Write a story in which you have one magical power. How would you use it? How could it go wrong? What would you do?
Write a story in which you visit a selection of cities in your country and try different foods. Which cities would you visit and why? Plan your trip on a map.
Other Books by Mem Fox
Possum Magic was Mem Fox’s first book. She has since written many, many more! Some of her other books include:
- Hattie And The Fox (1986)
- Koala Lou (1988)
- Night Noises (1989)
- Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (1989)
- Wombat Divine (1995)
- The Magic Hat (2002)
- Where Is The Green Sheep? (2004)
- Whoever You Are (2006)
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (2008)
- The Little Dragon (2011)
Other Books Illustrated By Julie Vivas
Again, this is not a complete list, but just a few popular titles.
- The Nativity (1984)
- Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (1989)
- I Went Walking (1992)
- Let the Celebrations Begin (1996)
- Hello Baby / Welcome with Love (US edition) (2000)
- Cuddle Time (2004)
Other resources for Possum Magic Activities
