Afloat
-
- $12.99
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
Roam the water with me. We are here to learn.
Here to spin wisdom, to grow …
From award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes Afloat, a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way.
Afloat is an uplifting and inspiring picture book that uses the practice of weaving as a powerful metaphor for the honouring and teaching of First Nations wisdom, and the coming together of all people to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future.
Praise for Afloat:
‘Hope is the ultimate takeaway from this moving story about community, First Nations wisdom and climate change.’ The Guardian
‘[Afloat] delves into themes of creating a future of balance and community with the natural world, while a slow, rhythmic tone and loose-lined illustrations emphasize saving what’s most important’ Publishers Weekly, starred review
‘Saunders (Gunai) uses weaving as a metaphor for community-building, demonstrating that Indigenous knowledge can be a source of connection and power as we work toward creating a better world. Blackwood’s art underscores hope and opportunities to help cultivate the land.’ Kirkus Reviews
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"Roam the water with me./ We are here to learn.// Here to spin wisdom,/ to grow," begins a story set in a wooded area, where elders pass on traditions to younger generations. With each page turn, the landscape becomes less wild, with rivers giving way to construction sites. As the landscape changes, a group nevertheless collects and soaks vines, turns them into yarn, and begins weaving rushes ("Here to form bonds,/ to make ties"), slowly building a large, majestic shape that seeks to help the weavers "rise above. To survive... to shape this world together." This work by two Australian creators, Saunders and Blackwood, delves into themes of creating a future of balance and community with the natural world, while a slow, rhythmic tone and loose-lined illustrations emphasize saving what's most important. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Creators' notes conclude. Ages 4–8.
