Sorry Sorry by Anne Kerr, ill Marda Pitt

The story weaves around the painting on the front cover by Marda Pitt, a Tjungudju woman from Cape Took Peninsula. In her painting, two hands are clasped together at its centre, one black, one white, the basic motif of reconciliation. In the story, Kerr outlines the history of colonisation as the ghosts came first in one ship, then thirteen, then countless more, taking the land from its original inhabitants. The First Nations’ land, their animals and water were all denied them and they became sad.

It took a long time before the intruders looked around to see what they had done, leading to saying sorry and setting out on a path where the two could come together.

In a very positive story, Marda and Anne roll out a practical journey for all Australians, drawing a journey map, and encouraging younger readers to do the same. In this way all the features of a child’s life can be included: the families, grandparents, friends, kids at school, the shops, the library, parks, family pets, the environment, home, swimming lessons. All the things kids do can be included in their journey map, and coloured just like Marda’s is on the front cover. Everyone’s map might be different or look different, have different colours and motifs, but there are many more similar features. At the end of the book are several pages of discussion starters and ideas for use in the classroom, including a journey map template.

Themes: Aboriginal content, Aboriginal art, Reconciliation, Survival.

Fran Knight