The Children of Clearwater Bay
- Kirsten Edwards
- Feb 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Author: E. M. Ellin
Illustrator: Garth Tapper
From the back: "The three elder Camersons, Nick, Millie and Barts, didn't much like leaving their parents with Father helpless and the Maoris posed for attack, but Mr Camerson was firm. they must take the boat and row the younger children to safety at Te Ruwai. What he did not know was that they would find the settlement swarming with hostile natives, and that in making their escape the boat would be wrecked and the six children, including two-year twins, faced with no alternative but to walk home untold miles through unknown country along the coast ..."
Elizabeth Muriel Ellin, better known as E. M. Ellin, authored just two children’s books: The Children of Clearwater Bay and The Greenstone Axe. Both explore the lives of early pioneer children in New Zealand thrust into adventure, and this first novel is a standout.
The Children of Clearwater Bay is a thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end. Ellin crafts a warm, believable family dynamic—the siblings get along, respect their parents, and each shines with a distinct, well-drawn personality. True to many children’s tales, the parents are swiftly sidelined: the father breaks his leg, and with local Māori hostilities looming, the children must flee to safety. What follows is a gripping journey marked by unexpected twists, forcing the siblings to adapt with resilience and grit.
Set in a historical context, the story feels authentic to pioneer life, though Ellin takes creative liberties—none of the place names or tribal references correspond to real locations, a detail worth noting. Still, the narrative’s simplicity and emotional depth carry it beautifully. A sample page reveals her accessible, engaging style.
My softback edition, now 50 years old, is showing its age—the glue is crumbling, pages are loosening, and I’m on the hunt for a sturdier hardcover. Garth Tapper’s illustrations accompany the text, but they’re a letdown. Dated and murky, they fail to capture the scenes effectively, detracting from the experience.
I recommend The Children of Clearwater Bay for readers aged 8 and up. There are no content concerns to flag—just a timeless, adventure-filled story that’s well worth tracking down.
Comments