PRESS RELEASE
Bathurst Library will welcome author and educator Susan Ackroyd for an engaging author talk exploring the surprising — and often political — origins of some of the world’s most familiar nursery rhymes.
Rhyme & Reason: Author Talk with Susan Ackroyd
Wednesday 4 February 2026 | 2.00pm–3.00pm
Bathurst Library, 70–78 Keppel Street
Drawing from her book Rhyme and Reason (English history through nursery rhymes), Susan invites audiences to rediscover 20 well-known rhymes that reveal stories of power, politics and people across the Tudor and Stuart eras. Many of these verses — now learned in childhood — were once powerful tools of satire, protest and commentary on the times.
From black sheep and battlegrounds, to kings, revolutions and royal misadventures, Susan brings history to life by unpacking how seemingly simple rhymes carried meaning about class divides, religious tensions and the realities of war.
Among the stories explored is how a siege machine came to be known as Humpty Dumpty, why a rhyme about a baby in a treetop hinted at constitutional change, and how frustration over everyday labour inspired quiet rebellion in verse.
About the Author
Susan spent much of her career in education, beginning as a high school English and History teacher before working with adult migrants and refugees. She later completed legal studies and practised in elder law, before returning to the vocational education sector.
Now retired, Susan has authored two books:
Rhyme and Reason (English history through nursery rhymes)
Rhyme & Reason: Edition 2 – Mystery and History
Residents are invited to join this insightful session and enjoy an afternoon of history, storytelling and conversation.
Attendance is free, however bookings are encouraged.
For further information, please contact Bathurst Library.
