Respect

Our Place

by Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson, Lisa Kennedy (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Indigenous, Australia

Paperback

First published May 1, 2020

About the author

Fay Stewart-Muir is a Boonwurrung Elder who cares about sharing her culture and stories with all, to enjoy and take on a journey of learning.

Reviews

[Liz Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Kennedy worked on Respect with Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson. This book and the one that follows, Family, are less detailed than the three I've just written about [see https://wordpress.com/post/lizmurray0... ] and they are books that can be read in one read-aloud. "Respect" starts with "Our way is old, // older than red earth [...] Our way is respect. Respect for stories that shimmer through tall grass." Respect is shown to people and to the natural world and on the the final page "We respect Country, each other, me." The illustrations show landscape that is red earth, coastline with a whale's tail, rocky shore, hilly landscapes with a fire and long sleeve tops, and more. While this is less detailed than the other Lisa Kennedy books I've mentioned there is depth here. It's specific to Indigenous people but there are connections to be made to the broader community. I'm not sure exactly how I'd approach it. I wouldn't want it to be something that is used as a "diversity" read in a larger unit. It has beauty on its own. An open discussion with kindergarten and early grades children would be something to hear and that's a way to go.

[Cate Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching a youg reader about respect throigh this book is an eye opener to the visual delights and details illustrators feel about the landscape and people as well as the importance of community, togetherness and developing deep listening skills. Self respect in a diverse -interests, needs, cultures- classroom is difficult because most have been advised that respect is an obligation or duty and the resistance to this although noticed by me as non verbal as well as verbal is an issue. This book was a delight to read in a multicultural classroom and is essential for learning self respect occurs through active enengagement with self and the world. Trying to dialogue to young people about the feeling of self respect is difficult. Understanding that in relations with others self respect is a feeling that becomes more peaceful and involves self management skills that opens or potentially offers opportunities to notice and listen to others as well as develop intimate knowledge that when others don't have self respect or feel it in the right way then the problem is external and needs to remain there. Thank you for this book!

[Brona's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to respect this book.

It's heart is in the right place. Every page reflects love of country.
Respect combines a deep concern for taking care of each other, and acknowledging cultural heritage and traditions. It generously shares a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with a wider community.

Lisa Kennedy's illustrations are stunning. Full of warmth and colour and a pleasing simple design that engages and draws the reader in.

I can't wait to see the other three books in this series.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book on many levels.

[Diva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good one too. One of the good books for baby to listen to

[Emily Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, beautifully illustrated. Great pdhpe and soc curriculum links

[Deby Perkins]

This book is to introduce our children to the parts of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Respect towards our elders, our land, our oceans, our trees, our families.

[Simone · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can their way of respect be older than the earth, stars and human existance itself?

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but beautifully chosen words, anchored in gorgeous, vibrant illustrations. This book is a treat, and fosters deep thinking about the topic Respect, especially in relation to our First Peoples, our environment and our country.

[Clare Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of our First Nations culture and lives today.

I love the stunning illustrations by Lisa Kennedy.