PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Two young girls are the best of friends, but because one is Indigenous and the other white, they are treated differently."It's just not fair" is the constant refrain, as they grow older and the law tells them what they can and cannot do. But then there is a referendum, and maybe, just maybe, things will change for the better. Simple text tells the story of the historic 1967 Referendum and of how two strong women (Faith Bandler and Jessie Street) fought for the Yes vote. It is an excellent introduction to the complex issues and attitudes of the day, with notes at the back of the book explaining how prejudice was enshrined. The illustrations are by Indigenous artist Paul Seden, who uses his pen and ink watercoloured drawings against scanned archival photographs. A fine book for ages 7-10. Lindy Jones
Jennifer Castles grew up in Adelaide. She began her working life as an actor, lived overseas for some years and now calls Melbourne home. Her first book was a collaboration with her father about the trial and death of Ned Kelly and since then she has had three picture books published. She now works as a submissions editor and ghostwriter, and continues to write stories of her own. Paul Seden is descended from the Wuthathi and Muralag people of North Queensland. He grew up in Darwin and he loves to draw and tell stories. His books include Kick With My Left Foot (illustrated by Karen Briggs) and Crabbing with Dad, and his short story 'My Shadow', illustrated by Karen Briggs, was included in The Hush Treasure Book.
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Two young girls are the best of friends, but because one is Indigenous and the other white, they are treated differently."It's just not fair" is the constant refrain, as they grow older and the law tells them what they can and cannot do. But then there is a referendum, and maybe, just maybe, things will change for the better. Simple text tells the story of the historic 1967 Referendum and of how two strong women (Faith Bandler and Jessie Street) fought for the Yes vote. It is an excellent introduction to the complex issues and attitudes of the day, with notes at the back of the book explaining how prejudice was enshrined. The illustrations are by Indigenous artist Paul Seden, who uses his pen and ink watercoloured drawings against scanned archival photographs. A fine book for ages 7-10. Lindy Jones
