Circles of Life (Gregg Dreise, Puffin)

Circles of Life is a picture book in verse that shares the tradition, beauty and importance of Thank You Circles, or Gabayindah Guroos. These artworks are painted in layers to celebrate different elements of our world. In Circles of Life, Uncle guides two young girls through the stages of their Thank You Circles and what each layer represents gratitude for. There is much to be thankful for, from Father Sky to Mother Earth to the people and other beings around us. Even the paper these artworks are painted on is recycled, ‘showing life too good to discard’. The text asks readers to reflect on how we can move beyond modern greed to show respect for culture and the land that provides for us. These elements of life deserve our appreciation. The Gabayindah Guroos are a symbol of hope for the future. Circles of Life is a deeply personal story from Kamilaroi and Euahlayi creator Gregg Dreise. It has an engaging verse story that shows every layer of the Thank You Circles as they are built, and gives a wonderful insight into this First Nations cultural knowledge that Dreise shares. For readers aged 5 and up, it will undoubtedly inspire young and adult readers alike to respect First Nations cultures, as well as the world around them, and may invite discussions about how we can care for each other and the Earth for future generations.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anneliese Gates is a writer and works in a primary school library. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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