Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
This beautiful hard-covered children’s book is by debut author Sharara Attai. She believes that the racial and cultural diversity within her own children and their cousins is a good reflection of modern-day Australia. Through the brief text on each page and illustrations including people from diverse backgrounds, she shares the message that cousins are our first friends, our best friends, our forever friends.
The illustrations, which are produced by Michelle Pereira, are colourful and exude a happy vibe as they show families sharing time at the beach, on campouts and birthday parties. In these situations, different cultural foods and activities are prominent. This Melbourne artist’s work can be found in other children’s books, particularly those by author Sandhya Parappukkaran.
This book’s author, Sharara Attai, worked as a human rights lawyer for refugees for a decade and is now Director of the Islamophobia Register Australia, a diversity and inclusion not-for-profit organisation. Through a book such as this, young children can learn more about acceptance and the differences each culture brings that make life more interesting.
Modern Australia is a multi-cultural country, and most children are used to being in classes including different cultures. By looking at something they all experience the message becomes more personal. All cultures share kinship, so the concept of cousins is common to all. The reading of this book would also provide an opportunity for all children to share their own personal experiences.
I believe this book would be a welcome addition to any Primary School classroom or individual home sparking a curiosity within the individual lives of the children.
This is a well presented, sturdy piece of reading for young children which should help expand knowledge of world-wide family relationships.
My Cousins, My World
(2025)
by Sharara Attai (author)
Michelle Pereira (illustrator)
Allen&Unwin
ISBN:9 781761 180972
$24.99; 36pp