What are we reading in the Corner this January

Open Your Heart to Country written and illustrated by Jasmine Seymour.

Welcome home lost children, to land singing you back home. 

Walama ngurragu. Return home. 

Winner of the Prime Minister’s Literary Award, Open Your Heart to Country (2023) is a gently moving, poetic story told in both English and Dharug about the healing reconnection to Country from a First Nations perspective. Sharing the power of returning home and being immersed in the language of Country, this picture book invites readers to reflect on the importance of place, not only for First Nations’ peoples but for everyone. 

Instead of providing a direct translation of the story told in English, the author/illustrator, Jasmine Seymour weaves two complimentary stories together. One in English and another in Dharug. 

The illustrations are beautiful and draw from the colour palette of nature including lots of different blues and greens, browns and orange. Seymour makes some interesting and unusual choices like black cockatoos on a dark blue sky and the result is breathtaking. Each illustration captures both the movement and stillness of country. Everything is connected and part of a whole.  

You could use this lovely book to talk about connection with country, not only for First Nations peoples but for everyone. Do you know what country you live on and who the traditional owners of that country are? What countries do you feel connected to? 

The best part about First 5 Forever learning activities is that they can be experienced at home… or on the way back home after a session. 

Walking to your local library and home again can be a wonderful way to connect with your little one on country. Asking them what they see or hear or smell and using these experiences to talk and teach words and sounds, is a great way to emphasise First 5 Forever learning experiences.  

For deeper conversations, many children find it easier to talk while walking side-by-side and these journeys can also be a lovely way to connect, particularly with older children. 

For more information about how you can support your baby’s health and wellbeing through reading and imaginative play, visit a First 5 Forever program at State Library or at your own local library.  If you can’t make a session, you can also come into The Parlour at State Library and read with your little one. And remember, you’re never too young to be a member of your local library – you can join baby up from birth and borrow Open Your Heart to Country written and illustrated by Jasmine Seymour to read and enjoy at home.  

What else are we reading in The Corner? 

Cooee Mittigar by Jasmine Seymour (2019) 

Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy (2016) 

Looking After Country with Fire, Aboriginal Burning Knowledge with Uncle Kuu by Victor Steffensen and illustrated by Sandra Steffensen (2022)