Illustrated by Lisa Kennedy
Our way is old,
Older than red earth,
Older than flickering stars.
Our way is respect.
Respect is the first title in the ‘Our Place’ series of four children’s picture books which welcome and introduce children to important elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Respect whispers a soft and heartfelt message about the basic cultural principle that informs all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations throughout Australia.
Respect is about a way of life that is older than flickering stars, about stories that shimmer through tall grasses, and redgum leaves that tumble to a parched and red earth.
It teaches children the importance of family who show the way and how we need to listen, learn and share.
This eloquent and delicate story shows young and old alike, what Respect looks like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Published by Magabala Books, 2020
“Dream team Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson, who previously brought us the excellent Nganga: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander words and phrases, have collaborated with artist Lisa Kennedy to deliver this absolutely exquisite picture book.”
“Respect presents a code that everyone can live by — and it does so in a poetic and visually delicious package. It’s a history lesson, a cultural lesson, and a universal creed rolled into one perfect picture book. I love it. ”
2021 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Of The Year Awards, Early Childhood
2021 Indie Book Awards, Children’s Books
2021 Australian Book Industry Awards, Children’s Picture Book of the Year.