Listen (Duncan Smith & Nicole Godwin, illus Jandamarra Cadd, Wild Dog)

From the team that brought us We Are Australians in 2022 comes another stunning picture book about First Nations people and their connection to the land. In simple but direct language, Listen argues the case for listening to the voices of the First Peoples of Australia and the importance of truth-telling. Authors Duncan Smith and Nicole Godwin use sparse, poetic language to encourage reflection on the ancestral connection of Australia’s First Peoples to Country and culture, but they also invite everyone to come on the journey of reconciliation in a collaborative and positive way. The book features vivid full-page paintings by Jandamarra Cadd, a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung artist and Archibald Prize finalist who blends traditional dot painting techniques with contemporary portraiture. His illustrations are a real highlight. The back matter includes panels of succinct information about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the Voice to Parliament, Treaty and a Makarrata Commission that are strong foundations for further investigation. Listen is an exquisite and provocative picture book that teachers could use in classrooms to great effect, but it’s also a wonderful book for families to share together and start conversations with young people aged 4 and up.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Angela Crocombe is a senior buyer and bookseller at Readings Kids. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews