Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
In 2025 there appear to have been several children’s picture books by First Nation’s talented writers and illustrators sharing their love of country and dreaming tales.
As the title of this latest book implies it is about Aboriginal beliefs surrounding the beginning of time which they call, Dreaming. This book by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, illustrated by David Hardy, shares some of those beliefs.
It tells the reader that the word ‘dreaming’ means different things to different people and in this publication, it is what the word means to the daughter of Adam Goodes. The words, ‘Dad says the Ancestors are never far’, appears on the page illustrating a father and children enjoying the water and the man illustrated definitely has the author’s features.
A note from the authors also tells the reader that Dreaming is not a traditional word used by Aboriginal people, but it is commonly used to try to explain the interconnectedness to their creation stories and culture.
The word ‘Muda’ is also used many times in this presentation to describe a never-ending cycle linking past, present and future and links many Aboriginal people and nations to Country and spirituality.
When I looked at the illustration on the title page, which was repeated on a double page further on, I was reminded of Wendy in the story Peter Pan. Another double-page spread shows a time in Australia from the past. Most of the other pages show Australia as it is today.
The double paged lining of the covers depicts illustrations with their Aboriginal and English names. The pictures throughout the book are bright and happy with sharp detail appropriate to the text on each page. Those set on white pages really stand out while night scenes are more dramatic with their stronger colours.
Information about the authors and illustrator, who produced this book, can be found after the story opposite a page which shows other book titles belonging to Welcome to our Country series of books. These include the titles Somebody’s Land, Back on Country, Ceremony and Walk With Us.
I have been greatly impressed with the quality of the books in this series that I have seen and hope the information found within their covers can play an important role in the reconciliation between some of the cultures found in our country.
Dreaming: Welcome to our Country
(2025)
by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
Illustrated by David Hardy
Allen & Unwin
ISBN:978-1761065095
$24.99; 28pp