Fiona Sinclair, A Landscape of Letters – with Haiku, Boolarong Press, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), February 2025, ISBN 9781923321038
Walk in the landscape
listen to the pulse of life-
pick up your pen. Write!
This advice from the writer, in the form of a haiku, sets the tone for the book and is a great introduction for what is to come. A Landscape of Letters – With Haiku is a thoughtful introduction to both haiku and Australia’s natural world. From alpine wildflowers to zooplankton, each page explores a native flora or fauna beginning with each letter of the alphabet – yes, even ‘x’ for xanthotis! At the end is a helpful guide to writing haikus, along with teaching ideas.
The A-to-Z format paired with Fiona Sinclair’s gentle watercolours will engage young readers, inviting exploration of language, nature and creativity. The focus on mindfulness and observation adds a quiet depth. This is a lovely option for classrooms or homes looking to foster literacy and expression through poetry.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
