Limited edition coin collection makes it extra special for
Possum Magic author Mem Fox
- Crushing the illegal DVDS
- Why these students are a cut above the teachers
MEM Fox, regarded as one of Australian most popular
children’s authors, cannot believe that 34 years after her first book was
published, Possum Magic is now literally a money maker.
A delighted Ms Fox today launched the Possum Magic Coin
Collection — by the Royal Australian Mint — and $2 coins at the Woolworth store
at North Kellyville Square.
The launch, attended by Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross
MacDiarmid, included a magic show by Claire Yistelle who — surprise, surprise —
conjured coins out of thin air and children’s faces.
Ms Fox, who was rejected by nine publishers before Possum
Magic was released in 1983, said she is so happy to launch the coin collection
in honour of her favourite character.
“It is an irony and also so funny that Possum magic is
turning into coins,” the 71-year-old told the Rouse Hill Times.
“I am so excited.
“It is an incalculable honour to see this and I can hardly
believe it.
“When I first wrote Possum Magic, I would have never
imagined that one day there will be a coin collection.
“Can you believe it that this book has been magically made
into money?”
The limited edition collection has eight coins, including
three $2, four $1 and a special one cent piece, all bearing the images of
Possum Magic.
“Somebody said to me last night that it is a book which
keeps on giving and it is absolutely true,” smiled Ms Fox, whose books have
been translated into 19 languages.
Not bad for a book which was turned down by some publishers
on the basis it was too Australian to be a success.
“Possum Magic is 34 years old and it goes on and on and on,”
Ms Fox said.
“Children still love it and parents who had these children
love it.
“This is absolutely fantastic.
“The book was turned down nine times and on two occasions, I
was told that Possum Magic was too Australian ... can you believe it?
“My latest book is I’m Australian Too because many
Australians have come from another country and I want people to remember that.
“I am very proud of it.”
Ms Fox was born in Melbourne, went to Africa and went to a
drama school in England “and that’s why I still have a bit of an English
accent”.
Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid said: “This is the
start of Children’s Book Week and what better way than to launch it and the
coin collection with the best picture book series in Australia?
“This is the first time we have redesigned the one cent
coins.
“For 34 years, Australians have read this wonderful story of
Hush and Grandma Poss and their whimsical adventures around the country.
“We are thrilled to be able to immortalise the story for
generations to come through this collector coin series.”
Woolworths program manager Sarah de la Mare added: “The
multi-generational appeal of this number one best selling children’s book,
along with the story’s inclusion of truly Australian food, connects with
families in a unique way.
“We hope the release of the coin collection provides more
opportunities for grandparents, parents and children alike to engage with this
iconic story and perhaps even try recreating the famous dishes contained in the
book.”
Illustration for the one cent coin were done by Possum Magic
illustrator, Julie Vivas.
