It's part of a First Knowledge series for younger readers, and based on award-winning adult books.
Illustrations are by Blak Douglas, a Dhungutti man who is an illustrator and designer, and who has won the Archibald Prize. His work here showcases design fantastically, with lots of colour and a unique look and feel.
Divided into nine chapters, Design & Building on Country teaches readers about Indigenous culture, from connection to Country as a way of seeing the world, to tools and structures like shelters and fish traps, and the organic hardware store.
This is a real celebration of culture and is a valuable opportunity for everyone to learn about the oldest continuing culture in the world. There is insight into history, truth-telling about the past, so we can make the future better.
It prompts readers to consider how design and building take many different forms, with information is served in bite-sized pieces, and interspersed with examples and stories.
Some names and images of people who have died are included, and the book begins with a warning about this, and advice that the original Aboriginal storytellers have given permission to use the stories that have been included.
Design & Building on Country deserves to be on bookshelves and in libraries all around Australia. There's so much in it that you'll want to dive back into it regularly. And it isn't just a book for kids, it's a book for everyone.
Note: All images shared here are used with the permission of the publisher.
Title: Design & Building on Country
Author: Alison Page and Paul Memmott
Illustrator: Blak Douglas
Publisher: Thames & Hudson, $
26.99
Publication Date: September 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760763565
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction