Banjo Paterson     by Sarah & Alex                       

Banjo Paterson was a great poet who wrote Waltzing Matilda and The Man From Snowy River. He loved the bush and people called him Bushman. His poems were very popular when he wrote them. Sad to say, he died when he was almost 77.  
His books are in every library and school library and he is also on the internet. 
He is the best loved poet in Australia. His books still sell at bookstores and you can see them in every house. 

      
Banjo Paterson
( courtesy National Library of Australia)

From the olden days, these are some of his books which he wrote: IIalong Children and Benjamin  Bandicoot.
Banjo Paterson's real name was Andrew Barton,( Banjo was his nickname.) Some people think that he was born to write poems. Andrew Barton started writing poems when he was three. When he was ten, he won a Poetry Award. He was born at Narrambla near Orange in New South Wales, on the 17th  February 1864. He died in 1941 and has been famous ever since.
Banjo Paterson, was known as Barty to his family. His parents were Andrew Barton and Rose Isabella Paterson. Andrew went to a school in the Bush. The school was in a place called Binalong. Then he moved to Sydney and Banjo went to a school called Sydney Grammar School. 


Banjo Paterson
( courtesy National Library of Australia)

Andrew left high school when he was 16. In 1895, Andrew Barton Paterson achieved two milestones in  Australian writing. 

He composed his now famous ballad 'Waltzing Matilda' and his first book, "The Man From Snowy River" and other verses, were published by Angus & Robertson.

 

Andrew Barton Paterson died in 1941 on the17th February. 

  

In Australia he is so famous he is on the $10 bank note.

 

Here are some questions for you to answer:

When did Banjo die and when was born? 
A. He was born in 1864 and he died in 1941 

Q. Who did he marry?   
A. Alice b Walker in 1903.

Q. Where was he born? 
A. Narrambla, New South Wales. 
Q. What was he before a poet? 

A. He was a farmer and lawyer. 

Q. How old was he when he left school? 

A. He was 15 years old