Walking Together

Walking Together by Coral Vass (Scholastic), RRP $26.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781761-126260

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

“We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.” This final sentence from the Uluru Statement from the Heart is the blurb of Walking Together and the perfect starting point for this gem of a picture book which takes the readers by the hand for a journey throughout Australia. The journey is an expression that we, as Australians, can continue to move forwards in support of an improved way in which the rights and opportunities for First Nations people can be recognised.

 

Now, this is an advanced and obviously political topic that is difficult for a child to understand. However, I believe the intention of this book is for it to be read with an adult to introduce lower primary school aged children to the truths of the past and present for our First Nations peoples. Furthermore, it stimulates discussion about what we can all do to create a better future.

 

The illustrations by Dub Leffler work in harmony with the melodious text. Reference is made to the hardships suffered by First Nations people in the first two plus centuries of colonisation and hope is presented through a groundswell of children of various skin colours joining the movement to walk together. Through reference to iconic place names, we’re taken to the various corners of Australia and back again. My kids were excited to point out locations that they recognised on the map included in one of the spreads.

 

Overall, I applaud the creators of this book for their boldness in bringing this topic to a young audience and thank them for giving me a visual means to chat with my own kids about how we can contribute to achieve equality.

 

For interested readers, the Uluru Statement website at Home - Uluru Statement from the Heart gives the full statement. It also gives historical background and numerous audio links for translations of the statement into various First Nations languages as well as other world languages.