Reviewed by Gail McDonald
Phil Cummings the author of this book is an Australian author who has written over 70 children’s books including picture books and novels. His work is published in the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, and throughout Europe. Phil has received many awards including 2016 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year Award for Ride Ricardo Ride. His picture book BOY also received great accolades. Phil was a teacher but now writes full time.
Recently as well as working on a number of new book projects, Phil has been involved in co-writing musicals for children.
Sally Soweol Han is a Sydney based illustrator with a passion and flair for children’s books. She is the author and illustrator of Tiny Wonders and Night Song and has been awarded the New Illustrator of the Year for the 2023 CBC.
Footprint is a unique picture book which encourages young children to think about the environment in a positive way. The colours in the book are really beautiful with muted tones, which are so relaxing . The illustrations show children from different genders and cultures that any child will be able to find themselves in the pages as well as the diversity of environments in which they live.
Each page has rhyming text which really supports the rhythm of the story. As the story is read to a child, they will easily be able to pick up on the rhyming words and remember and embrace the story.
This is a great book to introduce children to the diversity of environments and cultures around the world.
Footprint
[2024]
by Phil Cummings; Illustrated by Sally Soweol Han
Allen and Unwin
ISBN 978 176118 032 3
$24.99; 24pp