Sorry Sorry can be the first step of informing young children of a significant aspect of Australian history, with age appropriate illustrations and dialogue. This book can be the introduction to understanding the journey of reconciliation with Australia's First Peoples. Suitable from Kindergarten to Grade 6.
The hope is that Sorry Sorry can be used to enable other educators, be they teachers, family or friends, to begin the conversation of Australia’s early history with the young people in their lives.
It is hoped that Sorry Sorry will go some way in helping build a platform where understanding, appreciation and respect for “All Peoples” can be built.
About the Author
Anne Kerr is a Kindergarten Educator of 25 years' experience relating to children aged 3-5 years. She knows how important reading and telling stories are to this age group in helping them understand and make sense of the world.
About the Illustrator
Mardi Pitt, illustrator of the cover, is a Tjungunji woman from Old Mapoon, Western Cape York. The cover image a handshake between black and white people. The blue lines represent the "ripple effect" of reconciliation between just two people and then thousands of people. The different coloured dots say all people are invited to reconciliation.
Industry Reviews
I remember a brilliant quote I once heard on radio. The person said, ‘forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past’. How do you tell our children about the pain and trauma felt and experienced by Australia’s First Nations’ peoples? This book is honest enough to suggest that we may not be able to change the past; but together, we can influence change and forge a brighter future together. The Sorry Sorry book explains our complex history in such simple language. It is written to help our younger Australian children understand our shared history. As we help our children learn and acknowledge the pain and traumas of our shared history, educational resources like the Sorry Sorry book, helps teach all young Australians how to understand, appreciate, respect and honour each other’s culture. I recommend this book because our reconciled future as a nation depends on educational resources like the Sorry Sorry book.
Pastor Ray Minniecon, Elder, Kabi Kabi nation.
Sorry Sorry is an invaluable and much needed resource for educators working with young children on the journey towards reconciliation. An age appropriate book that sparks meaningful and thought provoking conversations with children and families.
Julie Jones, Co-Director. The Gap C&K Kindy.
This book is suitable for children across a broad age range, from kindergarten to high school age, as it acknowledges the rich and diverse Aboriginal culture. It allows educators to share, recognise and respect the traditional custodians of Australia. This resource supports educators in teaching awareness and respect for Indigenous Australians to children of all ages.
Kelly Madden, Co-Director. The Gap C&K Kindy
A sensitive and simple introduction to the concept of reconciliation. The clever use of language and child-like imagery invites children to be part of a new beginning. A beautiful and thought provoking message of hope for the future.
Belinda Josey, Dip T, B Ed, M Ed. Teacher, Queensland.
Sorry Sorry is a thought provoking resource for parents and teachers. While simply put the story draws attention to social justice issues. Primary and Senior students alike will have opportunities to discuss the nuances of language used and the ownership of reconciliation as a story both peoples share. With its use of design, colours and implied traditional art forms the cover captures contemporary hope in addressing an old issue.
Juliette Bentley. B. A. Grad Dip Sen Teach, A. T. C. L., M Ed. Mt St Michael’s College Writer’s Club Co-ordinator.
"The book is about saying sorry to the First Peoples. It's a pretty good book to read. I like about how you say sorry because it's nice. I like the bit where they say sorry to the First Peoples because the another People took over. I like reading it a bit. I think it's a sad book because they (the Others) push them (First peoples) away. It ends happy. It's pretty much one of my favourite books."
Xavier 4 yrs old
"This book helps us learn how to say sorry when we do something that other's don't like. This book gives us an example when the white people pushed out the First people they realised it was wrong, so they decided to work together. That was Australia's history and that was when I learned to say sorry."
Matilda 7yrs.
