Footprint

Footprint

By Author / Illustrator

Phil Cummings, Sally Soweol Han

Genre

Environment & Nature

Age range(s)

5+

Publisher

Allen & Unwin

ISBN

9781761180323

Format

Hardback

Published

27-02-2024

Synopsis

A unique, lyrical picture book that empowers children to think about the natural environment in a mindful and positive way, from one of Australia's most prolific writers, with stunningly beautiful illustrations from an exciting up-and-coming illustrator.


You carry hope and future need
With careful footprint, plant the seed.
Breathe... Yes, breathe.

Embark on a lyrical, meditative journey through nature's tapestry, where every step you take leaves a legacy of wonder and protection for the environment. Explore forests and mountains, cities and fields, and animals in their natural habitats as you ponder the footprint humans have left on the Earth.

From CBCA award-winning creators Phil Cummings and Sally Soweol Han.

Reviews

Jacqueline

Footprint is all about appreciating the beauty and wonder of nature. Children walk across the pages and look at the changing scenery and just stop to take it all in. The places that they go range from the snow-covered Arctic to a jungle, but in each place they stop and 'just breathe'.


The text is written in short rhyming couplets, but does not shy away from using more sophisticated vocabulary such as nurture, treacherous and ponder. This means it is a book that can be read at several levels and not just confined to the very youngest children. It would be an excellent book to use to encourage vocabulary acquisition as it all works perfectly in context.


For me the real highlight is the illustrations by Sally Soweol Han. I wanted to read it just based on the front cover and the inside does not disappoint. The illustrations are breath-taking, the children delightfully drawn and the scenery majestic. Beautiful colours fill each page, yet oddly, my favourite illustration was the fog-shrouded scene.


This is a book to be savoured and looked at in detail; young children will love the opportunity to pick out the details and find the exotic animals. This is a really lovely book and one to be read and re-read.


24 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

 

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