Possum Magic Summary by Mem Fox

Name: Possum Magic
ISBN: 9780152632243

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Grandma Poss, a skilled bush magician, makes her grandchild Hush invisible for protection. Hush enjoys the invisibility at first, but then grows sad because she can't see herself. Realizing her mistake, Grandma Poss consults her magic books and remembers that human food can reverse bush magic. Together, they travel across Australia. In Adelaide, Hush eats Vegemite, and her tail becomes visible. In Melbourne, pavlova makes her legs appear. Sydney's Anzac biscuits reveal her body, Brisbane's lamingtons bring forth her head, Darwin's pumpkin scones make her ears visible, Perth's Minties show her arms, and finally, Hobart's chocolate cake restores her entire self. Fully visible and happy, Hush and Grandma Poss return home, celebrating with a big party and promising to never make Hush invisible again.

Difficulty: Easy
Pacing: Moderate
Mood: Whimsical, Heartwarming, Adventurous, Sweet
Read it if: You love charming stories about Australian culture, magic, and the special bond between a grandparent and grandchild, with delightful illustrations.
Skip it if: You prefer complex plots or stories without a strong focus on specific cultural elements.

Possum Magic Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Hush's Invisibility Wish
Hush, a young possum, lives in the Australian bush with her Grandma Poss. Grandma Poss is an old and wise possum who knows 'bush magic.' One day, Hush says she is scared of snakes, so Grandma Poss uses her magic to make Hush invisible to keep her safe. This works; Hush can move around without fear of being seen by predators, and she enjoys the freedom. She can even sneak up on other animals without them knowing, which she likes at first. Grandma Poss is proud of her magic, thinking she has given Hush the best protection.
The Problem of Not Seeing Herself
While being invisible first brought Hush joy and a sense of safety, a new problem soon appears. Hush cannot see herself, and this makes her feel very sad and lost. She can't see her tail, her feet, or her face. She wants to know what she looks like again. She misses seeing her reflection and worries she might have forgotten her appearance. She tells Grandma Poss she is unhappy, and Grandma Poss realizes that while her magic protected Hush, it also took away something important: Hush's sense of self.
Grandma Poss's Search for the Counter-Spell
Grandma Poss is upset by Hush's sadness and immediately tries to undo the spell. She tries every bush magic spell she knows, chanting and waving her paws. She tries 'this spell' and 'that spell,' but none work. Hush stays completely invisible. Grandma Poss realizes that making Hush visible again is much harder than making her invisible. She wants to help her granddaughter and thinks about what kind of magic might be strong enough to undo her own invisibility spell.
A Flash of Memory: Human Food
After many failed tries, Grandma Poss suddenly remembers something. She recalls a specific, strong magic that involves human food. She remembers hearing from other old possums that certain Australian human foods can make invisible possums visible again. The memory is unclear, and she can't recall the exact foods, but she knows it is the only way. She explains this new plan to Hush, who, despite being disappointed by the lack of success, becomes hopeful for a solution, even if it seems unusual.
The Journey Begins: To Adelaide for Vegemite
Grandma Poss and Hush decide they must travel all over Australia to find the specific human foods that will make Hush visible again. Their first stop is Adelaide. They travel far, through the night, until they reach the city. In Adelaide, they find a family having a picnic and carefully manage to sneak some Vegemite sandwiches. Hush eats a Vegemite sandwich, and to their happiness, her tail becomes visible! This small success gives them new hope and confirms Grandma Poss's memory was right.
Melbourne for Pavlova
Encouraged by their progress, Grandma Poss and Hush continue their journey. Their next stop is Melbourne. There, they find and eat a delicious pavlova. As Hush eats the sweet treat, her legs become visible! This further shows their quest is working and that each food helps her become visible, piece by piece. They are happy, knowing they are on the right path, and look forward to what other foods Australia has to offer.
Sydney for Anzac Biscuits
The possums then travel to Sydney. They look for the next magical human food. In Sydney, they find and eat Anzac biscuits. After Hush eats the crunchy biscuits, her body becomes visible! She can now see her torso and arms, which is a big step towards full visibility. The journey is going well, and Hush's excitement grows with each part of herself that reappears. Grandma Poss is relieved that her plan is working.
Brisbane for Lamingtons
Their adventure takes them north to Brisbane. Here, they look for another famous Australian treat. They find and eat lamingtons, the sponge cakes with chocolate and coconut. After Hush enjoys the lamingtons, her ears become visible! She can now see her cute, furry ears, bringing her even closer to being completely seen. The pattern of specific foods restoring specific body parts is now clear, and their determination to finish the quest is strong.
Darwin for Pumpkin Scones
From Brisbane, they journey to the tropical north, to Darwin. Here, they discover and eat pumpkin scones. After Hush eats the warm scones, her eyes become visible! This is a happy moment, as she can now see the world through her own visible eyes, even though she still can't see her face. The possums celebrate this step, knowing they are very close to reaching their goal of full visibility for Hush.
Perth for Minties
Their journey continues west to Perth. In Perth, they look for another special treat: Minties. Hush eats the chewy Minties, and after she does, her nose becomes visible! She can now see her small, twitching nose, and her face is almost complete. The possums are excited, knowing that only one main part of her face remains invisible. The long journey across Australia is nearing its successful end.
Hobart for Chocolate Cake
Finally, their journey leads them to Hobart, in Tasmania. Here, they find the last magical food: a piece of chocolate cake. As Hush eats the rich chocolate cake, her whole face becomes visible! She is completely visible once more, from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail. Hush is happy to see herself again, and Grandma Poss is proud and relieved. The two possums celebrate their success, surrounded by Australia's beauty.
Home Again, Visible and Happy
With Hush fully visible again, the two possums return home to the Australian bush. Hush is very happy to be able to see herself and for others to see her. She no longer fears being invisible, nor does she fear snakes as much, now knowing she can be seen and protected. Grandma Poss is happy that her granddaughter is well again. They live happily ever after, with Hush enjoying her visibility and Grandma Poss valuing her granddaughter, and perhaps being a little more careful with her magic.

Principal Figures

Hush

Protagonist

A young, initially invisible possum seeking to be seen again.

Hush is a young, curious, and somewhat timid possum at the beginning of the story, fearing snakes. Her initial delight in invisibility quickly turns to sadness and a longing for her own identity when she can no longer see herself. She is patient and resilient, embarking on a long journey across Australia with her Grandma Poss to regain her visibility. Hush's journey is one of self-discovery and the importance of being seen, both literally and figuratively. She is the driving force behind the quest.

Relationships: Grandma Poss (Granddaughter, close bond, dependent on her for help)

Grandma Poss

Supporting

A wise possum with powerful, sometimes misguided, bush magic.

Grandma Poss is an old and very clever possum, renowned for her 'bush magic.' She is loving and protective of Hush, initially using her magic to shield Hush from danger. When her magic has an unforeseen negative consequence, she takes full responsibility and dedicates herself to finding a solution. She is resourceful and determined, remembering the unique magic of human food and guiding Hush across Australia. Her actions are driven by her deep love for her granddaughter.

Relationships: Hush (Grandmother, loving and protective, responsible for Hush's predicament and solution)

Snakes

Mentioned

The initial threat that leads to Hush's invisibility.

Snakes are not active characters but serve as the catalyst for the entire plot. Hush's fear of snakes prompts Grandma Poss to make her invisible for protection. They represent the dangers of the Australian bush and the initial reason for Grandma Poss's magical intervention. Without the threat of snakes, Hush would never have become invisible, and the adventure would not have begun. Their presence highlights Grandma Poss's protective nature.

Themes & Insights

Identity and Self-Perception

The main theme is Hush's struggle with her identity once she cannot see herself. Invisibility first seems like protection, but it quickly leads to a loss of self. The journey to become visible again is a quest for self-discovery, showing that seeing oneself, and being seen, is important for identity and well-being. Hush's sadness shows the effect of being unseen, making her full visibility a strong symbol of regaining her sense of self.

“But Hush was not happy. She couldn't see herself. She longed to know what she looked like.”
Narrator

The Power and Limits of Magic

Grandma Poss's 'bush magic' is first shown as powerful and good, able to grant invisibility for protection. However, the story soon reveals its limits and unexpected results. Making Hush invisible was easy, but undoing the spell is much harder, needing a different, more specific kind of 'magic' – human food and a difficult journey. This theme explores the idea that not all problems can be solved with a simple spell, and sometimes a more practical approach is needed, showing the difference between simple enchantment and a deeper understanding of solutions.

“Grandma Poss tried this spell and she tried that spell, but Hush remained invisible.”
Narrator

Love and Nurturing

The strong love between Grandma Poss and Hush drives the story. Grandma Poss's first act of making Hush invisible comes from wanting to protect her granddaughter, and her later efforts to make Hush visible again are from her deep love and concern for Hush's happiness. This theme shows the caring bond in families and the sacrifices made for loved ones, emphasizing compassion and responsibility.

“Grandma Poss was sad. She wanted Hush to be happy.”
Narrator

Cultural Identity and Australian Landscape

The book is full of Australian culture and geography. The journey across Australia, with stops in different cities and the eating of Australian foods (Vegemite, pavlova, Anzac biscuits, lamingtons, pumpkin scones, Minties, chocolate cake), is not just a plot point but also a celebration of the country's unique identity. The land and its food traditions become part of Hush's change, linking her regaining of self to the rich culture of Australia.

“So, Grandma Poss and Hush set off to find the human food. First they went to Adelaide.”
Narrator

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Quest/Journey

A physical journey across Australia to achieve a specific goal.

The entire narrative is structured as a quest. Hush and Grandma Poss embark on a physical journey across the diverse landscapes and cities of Australia, from Adelaide to Hobart. This journey is not just travel, but a series of challenges and discoveries, with each stop bringing them closer to their ultimate goal of making Hush visible. The quest structure provides a clear progression of the plot and allows for the introduction of various Australian cultural elements.

Symbolism of Australian Food

Specific foods act as magical catalysts for visibility.

Each iconic Australian food (Vegemite, pavlova, Anzac biscuits, lamingtons, pumpkin scones, Minties, chocolate cake) is not merely a snack but a magical catalyst. Consuming these foods is the only way to reverse the invisibility spell, with each food restoring a different part of Hush. This device cleverly weaves Australian culture into the magical solution, making the foods symbolic of identity and the power of shared cultural experiences to restore wholeness.

Repetition and Pattern

Recurring phrases and a predictable sequence of events.

The story employs repetition, particularly in the sequence of travel, food consumption, and the reappearance of Hush's body parts. For example, 'Her tail became visible!', 'Her legs became visible!' This predictable pattern makes the story engaging and easy for young readers to follow, building anticipation with each new food and visible body part. The recurring structure reinforces the idea of gradual progress and eventual success.

Bush Magic

A magical system unique to the Australian setting.

'Bush magic' is the specific magical system used by Grandma Poss, distinct from generic fairy tale magic. It grounds the fantasy elements firmly in the Australian context. While initially powerful enough to cause invisibility, its limitations in reversing the spell highlight a more nuanced understanding of magic, suggesting that some problems require unique, non-traditional solutions derived from specific knowledge, rather than just general spells.

Possum Magic Quotes

“Once upon a time, deep in the Australian bush, lived a tiny possum called Hush and her Grandma Poss.”

The opening lines, introducing the main characters and setting.

“Grandma Poss was a magician. She could make rain fall and gum trees blossom. She could make wombats wiggle and kangaroos hop.”

Describing Grandma Poss's magical abilities.

“But her best magic of all was the magic that made Hush invisible.”

Highlighting Grandma Poss's most impressive and unique magic related to Hush.

“Hush was invisible. She could sneak up on her mother and eat all the green leaves… and her mother wouldn't even know.”

Hush using her invisibility to play pranks and eat.

“One day, a snake came slithering, close to where Hush was eating.”

An early moment of danger that Hush avoids due to her invisibility.

“But Hush didn't want to be invisible forever. She wanted to know what she looked like.”

Hush expresses her desire to become visible.

“So Grandma Poss made Hush visible. And Hush was so excited, she ran to the mirror and looked at herself.”

Grandma Poss's first attempt to make Hush visible, which is successful.

“They ate Lamingtons in Sydney, Pavlova in Perth, and Vegemite sandwiches in Brisbane.”

Hush and Grandma Poss travel across Australia, eating iconic Australian foods.

“They ate Lamingtons, Anzac biscuits, and even Vegemite sandwiches. But still Hush stayed invisible.”

Despite eating many Australian foods, Hush remains invisible, creating suspense.

“Grandma Poss sighed. 'It's the magic, Hush. It's the magic of Australian food that will make you visible again.'”

Grandma Poss explains the true nature of the cure to Hush.

“They ate a whole plate of pumpkin scones in Adelaide. And one of Hush's ears appeared!”

The first sign of Hush becoming visible after eating a specific food.

“They ate a huge plate of meringues in Melbourne. And Hush's legs appeared!”

Another food item leads to more of Hush becoming visible.

“After a week, Hush was completely visible. She could see her own beautiful possum tail.”

Hush is fully visible and happy with her appearance.

“And from that day on, Hush was never invisible again.”

The concluding statement about Hush's permanent visibility.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Question 1
Why did Grandma Poss initially make Hush invisible?
1. To protect her from predators.
2. Because Hush was too noisy.
3. To keep her safe from snakes.
4. As a magical experiment.
Show answer
C. To keep her safe from snakes. Grandma Poss made Hush invisible to protect her from all the dangers of the Australian bush, specifically mentioning snakes.
Question 2
What was Hush's main problem with being invisible?
1. She couldn't eat her food.
2. She kept bumping into things.
3. She longed to see what she looked like.
4. Other animals couldn't hear her.
Show answer
C. She longed to see what she looked like. Hush eventually grew tired of not knowing what she looked like and longed to see herself, prompting the journey to find the magic food.
Question 3
What kind of magic does Grandma Poss use?
1. Ocean magic
2. Star magic
3. Bush magic
4. Dreamtime magic
Show answer
C. Bush magic The book explicitly states that Grandma Poss uses her 'best bush magic' to make Hush invisible.
Question 4
Which city did Hush and Grandma Poss visit first on their quest for visible food?
1. Sydney
2. Melbourne
3. Perth
4. Adelaide
Show answer
B. Melbourne Their journey began in Melbourne, where Hush ate a vegemite sandwich.
Question 5
What food did Hush eat in Darwin that made her tail visible?
1. Anzac biscuits
2. Pavlova
3. A piece of pavlova
4. Lamingtons
Show answer
C. A piece of pavlova In Darwin, Hush ate 'a piece of pavlova' which made her tail visible. Each food in a different city revealed a specific part of her.
Question 6
What is the overarching theme of 'Possum Magic'?
1. The importance of being unique.
2. The power of friendship.
3. The celebration of Australian culture and food.
4. The dangers of magic.
Show answer
C. The celebration of Australian culture and food. The story is a journey across Australia, showcasing various iconic cities and traditional Australian foods, making the celebration of Australian culture a central theme.
Question 7
Which part of Hush became visible after eating a Vegemite sandwich in Melbourne?
1. Her ears
2. Her feet
3. Her nose
4. Her tail
Show answer
B. Her feet The Vegemite sandwich in Melbourne was the first food to work, making Hush's feet visible.
Question 8
What was the final food Hush ate that made her completely visible again?
1. A lamington
2. A pumpkin scone
3. A chocolate crackle
4. A 'magic' white bread sandwich with a secret ingredient
Show answer
D. A 'magic' white bread sandwich with a secret ingredient After trying many foods, it was a special 'magic' white bread sandwich with a secret ingredient from Grandma Poss that finally made Hush fully visible, symbolizing that sometimes the simplest things, or a touch of home, are what's needed.
Question 9
How did Grandma Poss discover the cure for Hush's invisibility?
1. She read it in an ancient magic book.
2. She remembered an old possum saying.
3. A wise old owl told her the secret.
4. She experimented with different bush herbs.
Show answer
B. She remembered an old possum saying. Grandma Poss remembered an old possum saying: 'Possum see, possum eat. Invisible, visible.' This led her to understand that Hush needed to eat Australian food to become visible again.
Question 10
The journey across Australia to find the magic food highlights which aspect of the book's setting?
1. The vastness and diversity of the Australian landscape.
2. The danger of traveling alone.
3. The importance of maps and navigation.
4. The difficulty of finding rare ingredients.
Show answer
A. The vastness and diversity of the Australian landscape. The journey takes Hush and Grandma Poss to various cities across Australia, each known for a different food, effectively showcasing the country's geographical spread and cultural diversity through its culinary offerings.

Possum Magic FAQ

What is Possum Magic about?

Possum Magic tells the story of Hush, a young possum made invisible by her Grandma Poss's magic to protect her from hungry predators. When Hush grows tired of not being able to see herself, she and Grandma Poss embark on a journey across Australia to find the special human food that will reverse the spell and make Hush visible again.

Why should I read Possum Magic?

You should read Possum Magic for its enchanting story about Australian wildlife, its celebration of Australian cities and foods, and its heartwarming theme of a grandmother's love and a child's journey of self-discovery. The whimsical illustrations by Julie Vivas perfectly complement Mem Fox's lyrical text, making it a beloved classic for all ages.

What is the background/setting of Possum Magic?

The story is set in various iconic locations across Australia. Hush and Grandma Poss travel from their home in the gum trees to cities like Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Darwin, sampling local delicacies in each place to find the magic food that will make Hush visible.

What are the most memorable quotes?

One of the most memorable phrases is 'She made Hush invisible.' Repeated throughout the story, it emphasizes the initial magical act. Another is the simple yet profound 'Hush was visible!' which marks the triumphant end of their quest and Hush's return to herself.

What writing style does the author use?

Mem Fox uses a lyrical, repetitive, and gentle writing style that is perfect for young children. Her language is evocative and descriptive, bringing the Australian landscape and its unique foods to life, while the repetition of key phrases helps to build rhythm and familiarity.

What minor details add significant meaning?

The specific Australian foods mentioned – Vegemite sandwiches, lamingtons, pavlova, minties, and pumpkin scones – are not just plot devices but also cultural touchstones that immerse readers in Australian identity and celebrate its culinary heritage. These details make the journey feel authentic and educational.

What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?

The initial magic spell that makes Hush invisible is described as 'the best bush magic.' This foreshadows that the solution will also require a specific, perhaps 'bush' or 'human,' type of magic – in this case, the magic found in human food, rather than a counter-spell from Grandma Poss.

What unexpected character connections exist?

While there aren't 'unexpected' character connections in the traditional sense, the story subtly highlights the deep, unspoken connection between Grandma Poss and Hush. Grandma Poss's unwavering determination to help Hush, even when she's exhausted, underscores the profound bond and selfless love between them.

What are unspoken character motivations?

Grandma Poss's unspoken motivation for making Hush invisible, beyond protection, might stem from a desire to wield her magic for good and perhaps a slight overprotectiveness. Hush's motivation for wanting to be visible isn't just about seeing herself, but about a deeper sense of self-identity and belonging.

What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?

Hush experiences a subtle psychological journey from enjoying her invisibility to feeling a loss of self and identity, culminating in a strong desire to be seen and recognized. Grandma Poss, while outwardly confident, likely feels the weight of responsibility and the pressure to reverse her own powerful magic, showcasing a grandmother's dedication.

What are the major emotional turning points?

A major emotional turning point is when Hush expresses her sadness about not being able to see herself, prompting Grandma Poss to realize the unintended consequences of her magic. Another is the moment Hush's tail becomes visible, offering hope and renewed determination to both possums.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

The relationship dynamics between Hush and Grandma Poss evolve from one of a child protected by an all-powerful elder to a more collaborative journey. Hush's growing desire for visibility gives her agency, and Grandma Poss's patient, persistent support solidifies their bond as they work together towards a common goal.

Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?

The exact 'magic' behind why human food specifically reverses the invisibility spell remains somewhat ambiguous. It's simply accepted as 'human food magic.' The story doesn't delve into the scientific or magical principles, leaving it as a whimsical, unexplained element of the bush magic.

What are controversial scenes or decisions?

While not 'controversial,' Grandma Poss's initial decision to make Hush invisible, though well-intentioned for protection, could be debated as an overprotective act that ultimately causes Hush distress. It highlights the unintended consequences of even the best-meant magical interventions.

Possum Magic ending explained: how it ends & what it means

The story ends with Hush becoming fully visible again after eating a final pumpkin scone, much to her delight and Grandma Poss's relief. They return home, and Hush occasionally becomes invisible 'just for fun,' but never for long. This ending signifies Hush's journey of self-discovery and the importance of being seen, while also showing she has control over her own identity, choosing visibility over invisibility.

About the author

Mem Fox

Mem Fox is an Australian author known for her contributions to children's literature. Her notable work, "Possum Magic," is a picture book that has become a classic in Australia. Fox's writing often features themes of magic and imagination, appealing to young readers and their families.

Similar books

The Gruffalo
Julia Donaldson
4.5 (31k) average on GoodreadsFantasy
A beloved children's book with a memorable character and a journey through a forest.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
4.5 (7M) average on GoodreadsFantasy
Rescued from a miserable life under the stairs, an orphaned boy discovers he's a wizard destined for a magical school, where he uncovers a dangerous secret tied to the dark wizard who murdered his parents.
The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
4.3 (6.4M) average on GoodreadsFantasy
In a future where children fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the arena, turning a death sentence into a fight for survival and a spark of rebellion.
1984
George Orwell
4.2 (3.1M) average on GoodreadsPolitics
In a future where surveillance and thought control are absolute, a man's search for truth clashes with the Party, showing that hope can be a form of rebellion.
Divergent
Veronica Roth
4.2 (2.9M) average on GoodreadsFantasy
In a society divided by virtues, a sixteen-year-old's difference from the norm starts a rebellion that threatens her world.
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
J.R.R. Tolkien
4.3 (2.9M) average on GoodreadsFantasy
A comfort-loving hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is whisked away by a mischievous wizard and a band of dwarves on an unexpected journey to reclaim stolen treasure from a fearsome dragon, discovering courage and a magical ring along the way.

More Fantasy summaries →

Enjoyed the summary?

A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.

Find Possum Magic on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded