Listen by Duncan Smith & Nicole Godwin. Illus. by Jandamarra Cadd

Using traditional First Nations techniques combined with more contemporary approaches, Jandamarra’s illustrations are breathtaking. Bright, detailed, multi faceted, the closeness of people’s faces ensures readers will stare into their eyes as they read the text, the nearness ensuring a heartfelt response. The spare text tells us to listen to the voices of Ancestors, there to guide and inform as they speak in language, telling us to be respectful. The theme of listen is carried through the text which references the ideas of Treaty and Truth telling, tells of Dreaming stories that fill our hearts, sharing Songlines and walking together.

Each double page has bold text on one side with an image on the facing page, the text revealing the journey we share in bringing understanding to all Australia. This understanding will emanate from a closer affiliation to First Nation’s culture and an understanding of reconciliation. We must listen with open hearts, to the stories from the past and the present, looking for guidance and knowledge.

This book is a search for truth, for all Australians to work together to attain knowledge and skills for reconciliation, asking people to just listen.

Duncan Smith OAM was born on Wiradjuri Country where he spent time with the Elders of his community who shared their knowledge of the land, along with his family.

Nicole Godwin is an award winning author who engages readers with her direct approach, focussing on environmental issues and social justice.

These issues come to the fore in the text, as each page begins with ‘listen’, leading to ‘talking’ and ‘sharing’, then leading us back to ‘listen’. The continuity of the word ‘listen’ rings in our ears as we read the text, sharing the understanding that it is by listening that we can share the culture that has been here for countless generations, walking together in the footprints of Ancestors. Listening and respecting the past will bring Reconciliation.

Jandamarra Cadd is a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Warung descendent. Jandamarra uses a variety of traditional and modern techniques to create his work which is always fresh and direct.

His work is guided by the generations of artists who preceded him, combining modern techniques which add a rich cultural fusion to his work, underlining the themes of this book, to listen and walk together.

The last four pages of this book has Jandamarra explaining the background to four of his paintings. This book is a companion to We are Australians (2022).

Themes: Aboriginal art, Reconciliation, Treaty, Dreaming, Listening.

Fran Knight