My dad's gone away by Andrew Krakouer and Jacqueline Dinan. Illus. by Paul Seden

This is a beautifully presented picture book detailing one family’s lifestyle when their father is no longer there. The cover will entice younger readers to open the pages and involve themselves in Tarah’s world. The little girl knows her father is not around. She wonders if he has gone shearing or riding in the rodeo or fishing for barramundi. She asks her mother who tells her that he has gone to prison and had no time to say goodbye. He has gone to jail as a punishment. But Tarah thinks, this is punishing me too. Mum tells her that they will soon be able to visit him.

When that day comes, they must drive for a long while to get there. Tarah is excited but also nervous and Mum reminds her what to expect when they arrive. At the prison, they must go through security. Mum must show identification, and they are both searched by a metal detector in case they are bringing in things that are not allowed. Sniffer dogs wander through the visitors and a large metal door shuts behind them.

When she sees her Dad, he is also excited and nervous and both parents are quiet. Tarah helps lighten the mood by telling her Dad about the three goals she kicked last weekend.

Dad tells them of his routine and how he is learning new skills and keeping fit to fill in the time. Tarah wanders away when her parents wish to talk alone, and finds a sad, young boy, Johnny. She talks to him, and they draw together, talking of things they have in common. They have both driven a long way to see their fathers.

At the end of the visit, Dad and Tarah give each other a huge hug. Johnny’s Mum and Tarah’s Mum exchange details and promise to keep in touch.

Back home, Tarah sits by the creek with a line in to catch fish, with her dog by her side.

The understated illustrations will tug at the heart strings as we see the impact of Dad’s jail time on each member of the family. At the start we see a little of Tarah’s life with Dad doing a variety of things which would normally take him away. A minimum of colour is used for these images, and their trip to the prison is depicted in black and white, reflecting their moods, nervousness, and anticipation. Colour returns as Dad is seen and hugged and the girl goes home to a colourful world, knowing she will be able to visit her father again. Seden’s illustrations show a strong family ready to shoulder the responsibilities that this event has thrown up.

Not one word is out of place as the two authors combine their skills to create an authentic story of the impact incarceration has on the family.

Andrew Krakouer’s father was in prison when Andrew was young and he also went to prison in 2008, leaving behind his family. He now visits prisons and gives talks, presents both radio and TV shows and takes a lead in encouraging Indigenous participation in the construction industry. Jacqueline Diman was a foster carer and has had experience in supporting Indigenous children when their parents are imprisoned.

Ably supported by the illustrator, Paul Seden, the picture book creates a platform for children to express their fears and hopes, as well as acquainting the wider community of the extra struggles children and families have when a member of that family is jailed.

At the end of the book are confronting statistics of the scale of Indigenous incarceration in Australia.

Themes: Incarceration, Aboriginal imprisonment, Family, Resilience.

Fran Knight