What a delightful book with which to start 2021!
Miri and her mother Mazzy never seem to stay in one place for long; Miri’s mother is restless and searching for something elusive - a place that feels like home. So Miri struggles to support her, at the same time feeling uprooted and lonely. This is the story of a mother and daughter finally finding their ‘forever home’ and growing roots in a community.
Trace Balla has created a book full of detail, drawn in a deceptively simple style, using a muted palette inspired by the Australian landscape and its inhabitants. Children old enough to read will lose themselves in each page that illustrates Miri’s journey and the people, animals and plants she encounters along the way. The story is set on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, and Balla has used Dja Dja Wurrung place names where possible. The book is imbued with respect for country and its original inhabitants.
I found myself totally immersed in Miri and Mazzy’s quest to find home, and I discovered many native animals and plants along the way. This would be a perfect book to share as a family, pouring over the details together.
Highly recommended.