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Open Your Heart to Country

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( 21 ratings, 4 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Open Your Heart to Country, written by Jasmine Seymour, is a heartfelt children's book that gently introduces young readers to the beauty and cultural significance of the Australian landscape. Through lyrical text and captivating illustrations, it invites children to connect emotionally and spiritually with the environment, encouraging respect and appreciation for Indigenous culture and history.
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Format: Hardback
$3299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate beautifully illustrated stories that capture the essence of connecting with the land and culture from a young age. It's a wonderful tale for children, inviting them to celebrate the bond between people and their environment. This book may appeal to you if you enjoy rich storytelling with a cultural focus, perfect for young readers eager to explore the wonders of the world around them.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Shortlisted, NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2023, Indigenous Writers' Prize

Shortlisted for the 2023 Karajia Award for Children's Literature

Age range 4+

Welcome home lost children
To land singing you back home
Listen to its language
Learn how to speak its song

From the award-winning creator of Baby Business (2019) and Cooee Mittigar (2019) comes a stunning bilingual story of healing and belonging.

Told in English and Dharug, Open Your Heart to Country is a moving account of reconnection to Country from a First Nations perspective. Sharing the nourishing power of returning home and being immersed in the language of Country, this picture book invites readers to reflect on the importance of place, not only for First Nations' peoples but for everyone.

With exquisite illustrations and soft, lilting text, Open Your Heart to Country appeals to the very young, while sharing a deeper message for older readers. A book the whole family can enjoy.

Teachers' notes available here

Open Your Heart to Country is the stunning fourth picture book from Dharug woman and award-winning author/illustrator Jasmine Seymour. It's a story of welcome and belonging told in two languages, illustrated using Seymour's signature technique, which combines painting, printmaking and digital collage... This is an exquisite book whose simple, lyrical narrative and feeling of gentle encouragement will appeal to readers aged three and up. - Jacqui Davies, Books+Publishing

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922613769

Publisher: Magabala Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 June 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Magabala Books

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 250.0mm

Height: 250.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 32

About the Author

Jasmine Seymour is a Dharug writer, artist and teacher. She is a descendant of Maria Lock, who was the daughter of Yarramundi, the Boorooberongal elder who had met Governor Phillip on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in 1791. Maria was the first Aboriginal woman to be educated by the Blacktown Native Institute. She was married to carpenter and convict, Robert Lock and their union resulted in thousands of descendants who can all trace their Dharug heritage back past Yarramundi. Jasmine is a member of the Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation.

It is Jasmine's wish that through her books, everyone will know that the Dharug mob are still here and still strong. Jasmine is a primary school teacher in the Hawkesbury area of NSW. Her previous books include Baby Business, Cooee Mittigar and Family (illustrator).

Also by Jasmine Seymour

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  • Cooee Mittigar
    Shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards 2020: Children's Literature Shortlisted for the SPN Book of the Year Award 2020 Longlisted for the CBCA 2020 Eve Pownall Award for Information Books Longlisted for the 2020 ABIA Small Publishers' Children's Book of the Year Age range 5 to 12 'Warami mittigar. Hello friend. We welcome you to Darug Country.' Cooee Mittigar,...
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  • Baby Business
    Winner of CBCA 2020 Notable Book of the Year: Picture Book Longlisted for the 2020 ABIA Small Publishers' Children's Book of the Year Age range 3 to 6 Baby Business tells the story of the baby smoking ceremony that welcomes baby to country. The smoke is a blessing - it will protect the baby and remind them that they belong....
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  • Sleeping in the Land
    When colonists arrived, Aboriginal people learned English, but the English did not learn the Aboriginal languages, and so the languages slept for a time. Now they are being woken up. Whole communities are learning their language together. Sleeping in the Land tells the story of the Dharug language.
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  • Pre-order
    Our Place, Our Country
    Our Place, Our Country by Jasmine Seymour is a heart-warming story about the relationship of family, ancestors, culture, and Country through generations for a First Nations family. This narrative explores the meaning of belonging and connection to Country through a multi-generational trip back to a park where generations have gathered. It’s the young ones' favourite park. Even though they’ve never...
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