The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley

Cedar hangs out on the edges of the neighbourhood social circuit with Stinky, her dog and best friend. Things start to change when she meets a boy called Kite and finds they have a lot in common - both have single parents, both are loners with colourful inner lives, both like beanies, dogs and acrobatics. Together they form a circus troupe and put on a dazzling performance that helps to unite their inner-city community. Along the way, Cedar gains some understanding of her missing brother, her hard-working mother, her less-than-perfect father - and herself.

More reviews:

'vibrates with authenticity', School Library Journal, USA

'Cedar's witty, wry voice will seduce even the most cynical', Bulletin with Newsweek

Short-listed for CBCA Book of the Year 2003 (Australia) Short-listed for Younger Readers 2003 (Australia) Short-listed for 2003 2003 (Australia)

'Martine Murray's sparky wit captures a joyously weightless world'Sunday Age17/2/2002'a remarkable novel about learning to accept yourself for who you are and realising your full potential...it would give any young reader a feeling of acceptance and teach them to celebrate their individuality'- Michele Perry, The Blurb, Issue 16'I feel really sad that the book is over; it was such a wonderful story that I want it to never finish.' Marnie (aged 9)'a wise, witty, endlessly inventive narrative - seriously charming'Robyn Sheahan-Bright, Australian Book ReviewApril 2002

Martine Murray is a new, young author/illustrator. Born in Melbourne, she has travelled widely and now lives in East Brunswick. She says she has been a student for much longer than one should be, studying painting at the Victorian College of the Arts, filmmaking, dance and dance therapy, and writing. She teaches yoga and circus skills, makes dance theatre and writes stories. She likes dancing, walking and hanging upside-down on things.

Martine is the author and illustrator of A Moose Called Mouse (Allen + Unwin) and author of A Dog Called Bear (Random House).

A funny, tender and wise story about nearly-13-year-old Cedar B. Hartley - 'exasperating and potentially infamous' - who loses her dog, finds a new friend, becomes an acrobat, and learns some bitter-sweet truths about family, community and herself. A captivating debut novel by a distinctive new writer. Cedar hangs out on the edges of the neighbourhood social circuit with Stinky, her dog and best friend. Things start to change when she meets a boy called Kite and finds they have a lot in common - both have single parents, both are loners with colourful inner lives, both like beanies, dogs and acrobatics. Together they form a circus troupe and put on a dazzling performance that helps to unite their inner-city community. Along the way, Cedar gains some understanding of her missing brother, her hard-working mother, her less-than-perfect father - and herself. More reviews: 'vibrates with authenticity', School Library Journal, USA 'Cedar's witty, wry voice will seduce even the most cynical', Bulletin with Newsweek

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