Victor Steffensen (text) and Sandra Steffensen (illustrator), The Trees: Learning Tree Knowledge with Uncle Kuu, Hardie Grant Explore, December 2023, RRP $26.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781741178876
While journeying through different terrains with Uncle Kuu, readers are taken on a cultural and educational journey which highlights the importance of trees for our planet, and the relationship between trees, animals, the land, and people – including the impacts of humans on natural environments.
The overarching message throughout is the importance of respect, which Aboriginal People have shown trees for so long. Uncle Kuu’s sharing of knowledge and culture provides Aboriginal perspective and history, along with interesting facts and information throughout.
Through rainforest Country, grassy Country, and the waterways, readers are introduced to the important connections and gifts of trees. Whether that be the shelter they provide, or the leaves, roots, and seeds which can be used for medicines or bush tea.
This book is written in a way that is easy for young children to understand. This, combined with the colourful illustrations, creates an inviting book for children which hopefully fosters discussion and wonderings about the future of trees and the role we play in the story of the future.
The inclusion of tips empowers readers to respect, love and care for trees, and continue to develop their knowledge to contribute to the hard work for a healthy tree filled future for all.
This book finishes with a song which celebrates trees as the Elders of Country, along with this final message: “Dedicated to the Trees and the need for them to be heard”. The Trees has recently been Notabled in the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Awards in the Early Childhood category.
Reviewed by Raquel Mayman
