SAM'S BUSH JOURNEY

Sam lives in Australia and loves to visit his Aboriginal Nanna, except for one thing: the scratchy, spiky, low-hanging, buggy bush that surrounds her house and through which she takes a walk each day. Striking yet simplified images, swirling dots and deep, rich hues depict the bush in a manner that recalls traditional Aboriginal art. When Sam drifts off to sleep, he finds himself lost in the bush with only Nanna’s voice and wisdom to guide him, and he comes to appreciate the food, shelter and fresh water the bush has to offer as the shadows of his ancestors rise up around him. In the morning, his perception of the bush has completely changed, and as he accompanies his grandmother on her daily walk, his real-life experience retains the magic of his dream. This intergenerational tale is warm and infused with an appreciation of nature and tradition. A sweet and slightly fantastic introduction to the concepts of ecosystems or biomes and to life in Australia. Includes endnotes on the book’s creators, who are all of Aboriginal descent. (Picture book. 4-8)