The history of the hoppers

In The history of the Hoppers the entire book is devoted to kangaroos, but kangaroos that are completely human in their activities. In verse and with full page sepia illustrations and many marginal drawings, the activities of a family of kangaroos, the Hoppers, are detailed. From their general store and home Mr and Mrs Hopper and their three 'children' the joeys John, Jane and Jemima have a series of adventures. The kangaroos are realistically portrayed aside from their clothing, but the activities are human: picnics, pancake making, and general mischief. The verses are trite:

The Hoppers' nicest games of play

By wood, or sea, or creek,

Are kept for early closing day -

On Thursday every week.

It is now believed that the author and illustrator of the book were sisters, Bessie and Nancy Parker. No other information is known. A facsimile was produced in 1979.

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