Duncan Smith and Nicole Godwin (text) and Jandamarra Cadd (illustrator), Listen, Wild Dog Books, August 2023, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781742036731
Creators Duncan Smith, Nicole Godwin and Jandamarra Cadd, whose book We Are Australians was shortlisted for the 2023 CBCA Book of the Year Awards in the New Illustrator category, have collaborated on a new picture book for young readers, Listen.
The simple, calm, poetic text urges readers to listen. To listen to the voice of first nation peoples, to ancestors and their stories, to traditional languages of country and to songs. The hope being that listening with openness will lead to understanding of past persecution and current needs. That this will continue to heal scars and promote reconciliation.
Jandamarra Cadd’s images are truly stunning. They pay tribute to tradition and culture while also feeling very modern, very appropriate for a contemporary audience. The first image of the young smiling first nations person, and the image of the white-haired Elder were both particularly striking and captivating.
Leading up to the Voice Referendum later this year, a picture book such as Listen would be great way to introduce the topic, or lead a discussion with children in kindergarten, right through primary school. It is a gentle introduction to talking about past injustices, current disadvantages and the opportunity for learning and changing. A fantastic addition to a school library looking to keep their collection current and relevant.
Reviewed by Cherie Bell
