Mason Judy (deluxe edition)

Illustrated by Robert Juniper. Sydney : Methuen, 1977. Quarto, quarter leather over cloth, illustrated slipcase (sunned), pp. [74], faint light foxing, illustrated. The deluxe edition, limited to 100 copies signed by artist and author, this copy signed by both but out of series.

“Mason Judy is lonely and unhappy when his family move to a new suburb. Wandering alone, he finds a strange black and white stone, which he hides. The magic stone transports Mason to the Dreamtime – to the mysteries of Aboriginal legend surrounding the great read rock of Central Australia. He meets Aranda, the Mighty Warrior, who tells him that he has been chosen to return the stone to the Father at his dwelling-place, Alcheriga. He warns Mason not to be tempted to part with it and then leaves him resting between rocks. The trials that Mason undergoes against the mean trickery of Japar, and with Aranda against the dreaded evil spirit, the Mamu, test the child’s strength of will. Even with the help of the delightful Spirit Children, their journey to the Father is frightening and dangerous. Trevor Todd has blended the legendary past with the real present, and brought together the Aboriginal and white races, with insight and inspiration. The spirit of the story is mirrored faithfully in the beautiful paintings by Robert Juniper.” – Trove