The cover of When the Lyrebird Calls describes it as a time slip novel set in 1900 Australia, in the tradition of Playing Beatie Bow. The cover of the book is similar to one of the covers of Playing Beatie Bow with the same muted colours and a glass dome, reinforcing the links between the books. In each book the main character is a young girl who is transported back to 1900 Australia via an item of clothing.' (Introduction)