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Elyne Mitchell Elyne Mitchell i(A13160 works by) (birth name: Sibyl Elyne Chauvel) (a.k.a. Sibyl Elyne Keith Mitchell; Sibyl Elyne Mitchell)
Born: Established: 30 Dec 1913 Melbourne, Victoria, ; Died: Ceased: 4 Mar 2002 Corryong, Tallangatta - Corryong area, North East Victoria, Victoria,
Gender: Female
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BiographyHistory

Elyne Mitchell was born in Melbourne, but travelled with her family to Europe before the outbreak of World War I. Her father was General Sir Harry Chauvel, commander of the Desert Mounted Troops which became famous for their cavalry charge of Beersheeba. After marrying the lawyer and skier Tom Mitchell, she learned to ski and won the Canadian downhill skiing championship in 1938. The couple had moved to Towong in the Snowy Mountains in 1935 and often explored the mountains on foot, ski and horseback. Mitchell wrote about these trips in her first book, Australia's Alps (1942), and remained a strong advocate for the area throughout her life.

Mitchell is best-known for the series of children's books that began with The Silver Brumby (1958). Inspired by her daughter's desire for more interesting books, the novel was first rejected by several publishers before becoming a best-seller upon publication. The book was commended by the Children's Book Council and became the introduction to a twelve book series, the last appearing in 1999. Mitchell's other writing includes a history of the Australian Light Horse, autobiography, adult novels, books on the Australian Alps and discussions on environmental issues.

Mitchell remained very active throughout the 1990s, but after an operation for a brain tumour she moved from her mountain home to nearby Corryong to live-in care. She died in Corryong in 2002.

Most Referenced Works

Personal Awards

Awards for Works

y separately published work icon Winged Skis Melbourne London : Hutchinson , 1964 Z830528 1964 single work children's fiction children's humour When Barry Mitchell discovers the track of a lone skier he is tempted to follow the tracks, but there are plenty of other things to do, like work hard for his exams, and learn to ski with his new friend Michael Hastings. Barry means to learn to be the perfect skier and spend his future life with the beauty of the mountains.
1965 highly commended CBCA Book of the Year Awards Book of the Year Award
y separately published work icon Silver Brumby's Daughter London : Hutchinson , 1960 Z861901 1960 single work novel young adult Thowra's speed and courage have always saved him from the men who want to capture him - until now, when the men come on skis quickly and silently over the mountains. This time Thowra must protect his daughter from the hunters who prize the silver brumbies above any other horse.
1961 commended CBCA Book of the Year Awards Book of the Year Award
y separately published work icon The Silver Brumby London : Hutchinson , 1958 Z175381 1958 single work novel young adult (taught in 1 units) Thowra, the magnificent silver stallion, is king of the brumbies. He must defend his herd from the mighty horse, the Brolga, in the most savage of struggles. He must also save his herd from capture by man.
1959 highly commended CBCA Book of the Year Awards Book of the Year Award

Known archival holdings

Albinski 157
National Library of Australia (ACT)
Last amended 28 Oct 2013 18:26:22
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