GOING BUSH
by Nadia Wheatley and Ken Searle

This is such a warm and fuzzy book. As the inside cover says, "16 children discover more than plants, animals, rocks and soil as they walk through the bush at Wolli Creek, just South of Sydney".

As the children discover aboriginal history and the connection of the indigenous peoples to the environment, we can almost hear their chatter and feel their excitement, almost as if I've experienced the walk with them. Everyone, not just children should have a chance to experience this type of educational bush walk, but if they can't get there just yet - this book is the next best thing!
Nicole Schlederer
(Greater Sydney and NSW Migrant and Refugee Settlement Project Officer)

The concept of this book is very positive, showing the pleasure to be gained in looking at and being amongst our natural environment, and done with reference to and showing respect for the Traditional Owners.The use of one Aboriginal language throughout the book is successful and positive, as is the explanation of the intricate relationship between Aboriginal Australians and their environment.

Some commentary about the ongoing negative effects of the dispossession of the Aboriginal people during the colonial period, and our failure as a society to address these issues in any progressive way, would help disseminate knowledge about the current shocking reality for many indigenous communities within Australia.
However within its scope this book represents a positive attempt at spreading knowledge, harmony and understanding.
Robert Pinchin (Ageing and Disability Project Officer)

Great idea – I like the mix of drawings, photos and maps. Could be difficult to read though for those with learning difficulties, as the pages are quite ‘busy’ and the writing quite small (and there is quite a bit of it too!).
Karyn Robinson (Water Environmental Project Officer)

What a cute and clever little book for children. The mix media is an interesting way of representing the workshop process that went into the creation of this book. Theoretically, the book shows us a utopian environment where urban meets the bush; all within the context of aboriginal land, connected via the flora, fauna and geography.
Peter Polites (NSW Migrant and Refugee Youth Project Officer)

To publish a book involving Cultural & Environmental topics in our local area, will surely gain a huge interest with the public including students. Which is a good area to target, as they are our future.People will gain such an interest that they will want to explore the outdoors & try new hobbies & sports. With all of this knowledge & interests, they will have a better understanding of what our environment is all about & why we all must take care.
I am very impressed with the whole book presentation including the illustrations & comments from the students. I would buy a book for each of my nieces & nephews to introduce to their homes & children.
The book is very well done.
Karen Nelson (Administration officer)

This book is another triumph for writer Nadia Wheatley and artist designer Ken Searle. Nadia has written a number of books for children such as her first book Five Times Dizzy, which was often described as the first multicultural children’s book published in this country. She has written for young adults on the issue of culture and environment including the Blooding, which is set in a small forestry town and describes a young man's confusion when the 'greenies' come to his town.

Nadia offers hands-on environmental workshops with artist/ designer Ken Searle suitable for students from Years 3-12. This book is a result of a workshop with student representatives from schools in the Wolli Creek catchment. The students were from many different cultures and the resulting book describes from the students’ perspective what they learned about the catchment they live in including the local indigenous culture, the natural environment and about the each other. It is delightfully designed and illustrated by Ken and is written by Nadia demonstrating her skill and years of experience writing for a young audience.
Helen Scott (Saving Water in Asian Restaurants Project Coordinator).