Meet Mary MacKillop, by Sally Murphy

From living in poverty to helping the poor herself, an amazing Aussie woman who never imagined she would one day be named a saint.

Long before being named Australia’s first saint, Mary decided she wanted to help people. She believed everyone should have a chance to learn, and in 1866 she set up her first school in Penola, South Australia. This is the story of Mary’s work and of that first school. Part of the ‘Meet’ series from Random House, which shares the life of some of Australia’s notable historical figures.

Illustrated by Sonia Martinez
Published by Random House Australia, 2013

Available in good bookstores or online.

Also now available in paperback.

Teachers’ resources are Available here.

What the Reviewers Say

Rama Gaind from PS News Books: “Achieving the right balance between the history of Australia’s first saint Mary MacKillop and a story suitable for primary school aged readers is the key to the success of this picture book.” (More here)

Lisa Hill from the School Stuff blog says Meet Mary “[tells] the simple story of MacKillop’s first foray into teaching in Penola South Australia in a beautiful hardback picture book.” (More here.)

Hardcover Stirling2014