We are Australians by Duncan Smith and Nicole Godwin illustrated by Jandamarra Cadd

The vivid cover illustration of a young face invites the reader to look closely at this book, to read it carefully and to think about the words WE are Australians. This book does not contain a message of “them and us” it is about our shared responsibilities and the importance of cultural understanding and harmony. The straightforward and at times spare text, is powerful, poetic, resoundingly positive and so poignant. The page turns are carefully paced. Many of the images and words will lead to deeper discussions with students. The text celebrates the rich heritage of First Nations people, and it also celebrates many newer citizens who have chosen to come to Australia. This book could be shared with many ages of students from younger children right up to high school. We are Australians should be added to every school library collection.

Some of the images in this book just made me gasp! The plastic trinkets shown on palms takes the words “we have responsibilities” to a whole new level. The photo realistic illustration of the boy being painted is invested with enormous emotion. This comes from the way the boy’s eyes are looking up towards the man. 

The cover is so appealing and the way the eyes look directly at the reader is both challenging and inviting. The white text on black adds to the gravitas of the message and the sans serif font and font size were a very good choices. Another standout page is the one filled with legs and feet showing different skin shades. 

This could be the 'right' book to share this week with any of your family or friends are undecided about The Voice Referendum - voting will take place this week on Saturday 14th October, 2023. 

Publisher blurb: For those born in Australia, it’s easy to take citizenship and its responsibilities for granted. But there is much more to being an Australian citizen than having a passport and the right to vote. We Are Australians encourages reflection and for readers to look further into the topics of citizenship and the role of Australia’s First Nations people. The poetic writing style creates a rich and respectful text, and the bright colours add a joyfulness and a sense of celebration. The use of traditional First Nations techniques reinforces the longevity and importance of a culture that has lived on Australian land for over 65,000 years.

From cover to cover, I was inspired by both word and imagery to reflect, to be more thoughtful, committed, and compassionate as an Australian citizen and think about my responsibilities to other Australians and to the land itself. Reading Time

The publisher Wild Dog have prepared some teaching notes. We are Australians was short listed for the 2023 Children's Book Council of Australia New Illustrator award. 

Here is the trailer:

Jandamarra Cadd is an Aboriginal (Yorta Yorta) man who was introduced to the paintbrush at age 15 after a troubled childhood growing up as an outsider in his own land. Painting became an outlet to transform his pain and trauma, and a visual voice for the oppressed. Twenty-seven years later he is a pioneer in portraiture, with his unique blend of traditional Aboriginal art techniques and inventive, contemporary application. Art Gallery of NSW

Here is the newest book by this team:

Listen encourages the reader to reflect on the importance of listening and truth-telling in response to Australia's complex history. The poetic writing style creates a rich and respectful text, and the bright colours inject a sense of joy into a text that explores what is often a painful history. The use of traditional First Nations techniques reinforces the longevity and importance of a culture that has lived on Australian land for over 65,000 years.