Thursday 9 April 2015

Copy Paste Copy Paste...Oh No I Can't Delete! (I'm Collaging That's Why)

Sorting through the children's picture books, I stumbled upon one of my old classics from when I was sifting through books in my dusty primary school library. Now it's not just because I share her name and NO ONE HAS MY NAME but the details in her works are so detailed and intricate. They're almost too good for children (sorry kids) and tell tales of change, growing up and diversity - often without words, allowing readers (lookees?) to discover and digest a hidden gem each time the book is open. I am of course talking about JEANNIE BAKER! Using both natural and found materials, her books are a delight for the eyes.

After some confusion, I have gather that she was actually born in the UK but immigrated to Australia in 1975 which explains her beautiful native landscapes. It's lovely to find stories that relate to the here and now. I was reading an article earlier in the week about the decreasing production of live action television shows for children that are made in Australia due to their high costs in comparison with imported British and American shows. The contention of the article was that now Australian children are losing a sense of their own 'Aussie culture' and are increasingly influenced by overseas programs. Where are the ocker Aussie accents and reflection on school life? Other than just a few stand outs, we are potentially facing a sad farewell to live children's TV.  Bottom line is, we want shows made by us for us! Anyway, getting back to Jeannie Baker, she is making exactly what a children's book author should be creating. Books that challenge the reader but can be enjoyed at any age and that can be used to create conversations.

Here we have shared some notable titles from her body of work.

Most recently released is MIRROR,  an evocative book that explores life in parallel stories in Morocco and  Australia through the eyes of your 'average family'. With the 'mirror' image in Arabic, I love the exposure to other cultures it brings, highlighting that ultimately, the human experience is a universal one regardless of race, religion or gender.


Another classic is WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE SEA, a fresh look into the natural world that Australia is blessed to have. Beautiful waterways, colourful birds and bubbling sea life - I'm pretty sure that every time you read it you discover something new, a creature that you never saw before.



And finally (because we are running out of time!) companion books HOME and BELONGING as well as slightly similar WINDOW tell the story of an ever evolving town and the stages of growing up all told through the bedroom window of the protagonist Seamlessly transcending time, it's a powerful testament to how we are all part of a changing wold. That's probably as deep as I'm going to get for today.


Her illustrations are really something to marvel. Come in and see for yourself!

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