Possum Magic Book Review for Assembly (Class 1-5)
Read a complete book review of Mem Fox's Possum Magic written for Australian primary school assemblies. Includes three lengths, key beats, and delivery tips.
- Lengths
- 216w · 295w · 446w
- Aloud
- 2 min · 2 min · 3 min
- Beats
- 6 to retell from
- After it
- 3 questions · 4 words
Good morning teachers, parents, and fellow students. Before I begin my book review, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school stands, and pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Then: Thank you for listening, and enjoy reading Possum Magic from our library!
The beats, to tell it from memory
Hide them, then tell the story beat by beat. Tap a card to check you had it right.
Questions after the story
Ask, wait for three hands, then tap for a model answer.
Words from the text
Unable to be seen by anyone.
Widely known and recognized as a representative symbol.
Pictures or drawings inside a book.
An animal that hunts and eats other animals.
So the room leans in
Worth knowing
- Possum Magic by Mem Fox (1983) is a classic Australian picture book illustrated by Julie Vivas.
- Grandma Poss uses bush magic to make young Hush invisible, protecting her from danger.
- When Hush wants to see herself again, Grandma Poss forgets the exact spell.
- The pair travel to cities across Australia to sample iconic foods that will reverse the spell.
- This book review explores key themes, illustrations, and local culture without revealing the ending.
Where it is told, and why
Presenting a book review at a primary school assembly is a fantastic way to share your love of reading with classmates and teachers. If you are preparing to speak in front of your school, this guide provides a complete review of Mem Fox's famous picture book, Possum Magic. You will find three distinct lengths tailored for different speaking times, ranging from a quick two-minute share to a detailed speech.
When presenting your review, start with your school's customary greeting or Acknowledgement of Country. Speak clearly into the microphone and pause slightly after key sentences so your audience can follow along. Choose the version that best fits your allotted time, practice reading it aloud at home, and use the delivery tips below to build your confidence before stepping up on stage.
About this piece
- Book Title: Possum Magic
- Author: Mem Fox
- Illustrator: Julie Vivas
- First Published: 1983 by Omnibus Books in Australia
- Main Characters: Grandma Poss and Hush
- Setting: The Australian bush and major capital cities across Australia
- Key Themes: Friendship, magic, Australian food, and regional geography
- Spoiler Notice: The review describes the plot setup without revealing how the magic spell is finally solved
How it is done
- Primary school assemblies in Australia typically begin with the Australian National Anthem and an Acknowledgement of Country, often led by student leaders.