Australian children’s classics: Seven Little Australians is our own Little Women – but naughty, not earnest

Ethel Turner's 1894 Australian children's classic, Seven Little Australians, has been a beloved read for over a century. The story follows the Woolcot family, a chaotic household with seven children, ranging in age from 16 to a toddler. The protagonist, Judy Woolcot, is the third child and a 13-year-old who often leads her siblings in mischief, such as sneaking into an adult dinner party to demand roast fowl. Her father, Captain Woolcot, a stern and authoritative figure, watches with growing concern.

Turner's novel draws parallels to Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, with many characters bearing similarities to their Little Women counterparts. However, the Woolcot children are far from virtuous, embracing a more whimsical and carefree lifestyle. Turner explicitly warns readers that none of the seven children are truly good, attributing their mischievous behavior to the "miasmas of naughtiness" present in their Australian environment.

Born in England, Turner moved to Australia at a young age and immersed herself in the city life before and after Federation. Her experiences shaped her portrayal of urban Australian life in Seven Little Australians. Despite not intending to become a children's author, Turner's novel remains a cherished part of Australian literature, capturing the hearts of generations of readers.