Dreaming Soldiers (updated)

WINNER of the 2019 Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards – Indigenous Children Category

A powerful and moving story about true mateship. A window to the past and a glance at the future.

Dreaming Soldiers weaves tales of childhood adventures and battlefield challenges with gentle Dreaming themes.

This is a touching friendship story about Jimmy and Johnno, two young Australian boys in the 1900s; mates who do everything together, sharing adventures and growing up side by side in the dusty cattle yards of an Outback South Australian station and later on the dusty WWI battlefields of the Middle East.

The simple storytelling combines with stunning images to honour the service of Australian veterans and highlight the important contribution of First Nations soldiers.

Its power lies in that spotlight on the friendship, the shared adventures and stories, the fears and hopes that are common regardless of skin colour.’ - Barbara Braxton

“A powerful (and overdue) look at the war. Shane McGrath’s work is stunning, a perfect foil for Catherine Bauer’s compelling story.” – A. Paterson

“This simply written story sensitively provides a historical perspective of the racism and discrimination endured by Indigenous people and returning soldiers." – ReadPlus

“I loved everything about this book. Shane McGrath has done a magnificent job translating the text and giving it another dimension by magnifying the most important scenes. The use of khaki throughout the book was a brilliant choice. This is one not to be missed!" – Kids Book Review