Afloat

by Kirli Saunders, Freya Blackwood (Illustrator)

Roam the water with me. We are here to learn.
Here to spin wisdom, to grow …

From award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes Afloat, a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way.

Afloat is an uplifting and inspiring picture book that uses the practice of weaving as a powerful metaphor for the honouring and teaching of First Nations wisdom, and the coming together of all people to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Indigenous, Environment, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Kirli Saunders is a proud Gunai Woman and award-winning writer, artist, and consultant. An experienced speaker and facilitator advocating for the environment, gender, racial equality and LGBTIQA+ rights, Kirli was the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year (2020). In 2022, She received at OAM for her contribution to the arts and literature, her books include The Incredible Freedom Machines (Scholastic, 2018), Kindred (Magabala, 2019), Bindi (Magabala, 2020), Our Dreaming (Scholastic, 2022) and Returning (Magabala, 2023).

Reviews

[Clare Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing. Well deserving of Honour Book for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year. And perfect for storytime.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated poem that at one level is about making traditional items using traditional skills and at another level about creating bonds and community. This books draws many parallels between different First Peoples (and their traditional cultures) across the world. The book holds many connections including that between humans and the natural world and between creatures of sky and water. This book would be a perfect addition to any home library and also provide a jumping off point to study the interplay of words and illustrations in picture books.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afloat is a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way.
.
What a heartfelt (and heartbreaking) story of a culture, traditions and community, and keeping those alive with environmental changes and development encroaching on sacred land. An important book and message for all ages.

[Dorothy Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin with the illustrations. They are beautiful, done in soft colors that draw the eyes to each part of the page. The words and illustrations together form an important story about climate change and its dangers.

An elder takes a child on a journey to learn about saving the environment. The elder shows the child how important each part of nature is and how the world is connected. I appreciate the ending because it is hopeful.

[Christina Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich storytelling

Beautiful and meaningful story that acknowledges indigenous and First Nation culture and love for nature. You’ll love taking it in.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working more indigenous stories into my reading for Native American Heritage Month. This was short but sweet, lovely illustrations.

[Jennie]

Saunders harnesses minimal text to tell this moving fable that ably demonstrates that power of working together regardless of race, age, gender or religion has to create something better. Drawing of the weaving traditions of many First Nations people from around the wold and starting with an elder and child searching for the best grasses others joining in. The end result is a harmonious and diverse group of people collaborating to create something of shared purpose and beauty to create a positive and sustainable future.

The illustrations beautifully portray the storyline but also take it much further to reflect the racially and economically diverse community and the degraded environment to shift towards a more hopeful future. Young children will get the gist of the story and the message but there tremendous depth inspire older readers to consider, reflect and talk about the messages conveyed.

CBCA 2025 Picture Book Notable title.
CBCA 2025 Picture Book Shortlist title.

[Lucy Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afloat is a beautiful picture book that passes on indigenous wisdom about weaving.

[Elena L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

AFLOAT by Kirli Saunders is written for Indigenous, Native people - in the time of climate crisis, this is a story about an Elder and her community. What feels most precious is the incorporation of Indigenous wisdom and the way one should honor it. With powerful illustrations, this is a homage to inherited cultural and plant knowledge. I found this metaphorical picture book inspiring and a must-have. An important message that everyone should read.

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Levine Querido . All opinions are my own ]

[Jose Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Afloat is a beautifully written and deeply emotional verse novel that explores grief, identity, and healing with incredible tenderness. Kirli Saunders’ language is lyrical and intimate, making every page feel like a quiet moment of reflection. The way she weaves nature, memory, and personal growth together creates a story that feels both raw and hopeful. It’s a quick read, but it lingers long after you finish, especially in the way it honors vulnerability and resilience. A powerful, poetic book that stays with you.

[Hannah Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The imagery was beautiful, it wasn't what I expected when I initially chose the title. It was to show change, and in my opinion, a rougher world for others. Led by the elder, it all brought me vibes of Pocahontas, the Disney version. But it also reminded me of the locals in Hawaii on my vist last spring, and how they make do with what Earth provides. This will be one I read to my future classes. So far this has been my favorite.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book with wonderful drawings of different people. It shows a group of diverse people coming together to weave, knit and sew a large something. It's not till the end that you find out what. The text is short and poetic. I think the images alone would make for lots of conversation with kids.

[Abigail Hamrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Afloat has a soft, dreamy quality that makes it feel more like an experience than a plot-heavy story. The water themed illustrations create a peaceful, almost meditative mood. I enjoyed how the book focuses on movement, reflection, and emotion rather than a traditional narrative. It’s calming, artistic, and a little abstract, which makes it stand out from more typical picture books.

[Abby Gerchak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork in this book was absolutely beautiful, and the whole story had a very soothing, dreamy feeling. I liked how the writing explored emotions in a calm, poetic way. It is a little abstract, but I think that actually adds to its charm. Overall, it felt like a peaceful and thoughtful read that encourages mindfulness and reflection.

[Abigail Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gentle and poetic story with beautiful artwork. It feels peaceful and encourages kids to think about their feelings and imagination. The soft illustrations make the book calming to read, and the message is thoughtful without being complicated. It’s a lovely choice for quiet moments or bedtime.

[Maecey Carrier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this book focused on the importance of community and making close bonds. As a future teacher and someone looking for books to use in the classroom, this book is great at emphasizing culture and community and could easily be tied back to the culture and community that a classroom should have. I also really liked the diverse characters in the illustrations.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, but it's one of those that I'm not sure of the audience. I'm unsure how many kids would "get" it because it's abstract and somewhat dreamlike. As I said, it is lovely and there is wonderful diversity within the illustrations.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a metaphor, this beautiful picture book uses the practice of weaving to demonstrate a way to honor the teachings of Indigenous people. The illustrations are gentle and stunning. The language is sparse and poetic.

[Kyra Adkisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this children's book. It was fairly difficult for me to understand the deeper meaning that goes along with it. It is a good read that can teach children about different cultures and cultural acceptance.

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a soothing text. Diverse people living in an urban environment gather bark and make it into yarn. They make blankets and baskets etc. from this string/yarn. The process forms some of the text of the book.

[A.J. Eversole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this poetic picture book that ties the concept of weaving with resilience. The illustrations are perfect and powerful.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book reminded me that imagination is crucial for hope and for planning a better future.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations that "weave" the story together.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing.

[Y.Poston]

beautiful inspiration

[Emily Limey Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an incredible and deeply layered book that requires reading and rereading to absorb the meaning in the text and the illustrations as an adult. I'd love to know what children think of it.

[Denicemarcell]

beautiful pictures and theme
2026 BPL Winter Read Oceania

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book.