On January 10, Ben touched the hearts of Australians with the reading of his poem To My Country in response to the Australian bushfires. This gorgeous 4 colour book combines Ben's heartfelt words with stunning illustrations by Bruce Whatley.
Ben Lawson was preparing for another Christmas away from home when the Black Summer bushfires began to burn their way across Australia's eastern coast. As the bushfires continued to rage into the new year on an unprecedented scale, Ben, feeling angry, helpless and broken-hearted as he watched the devastation from across the ocean, sat down and put his feelings into words. To My Country is an ode to the endurance of the Australian spirit and the shared love of our country.
In the true Aussie spirit, Ben and Allen & Unwin will be donating proceeds of To My Country to The Koala Hospital.
About the Author
Ben Lawson grew up in Brisbane, one of five boys. He studied acting at NIDA and worked in theatre throughout Sydney and Melbourne. He has been based in Los Angeles since 2008 where he has acted extensively in television shows, such as Firefly Lane, Modern Family, The Good Place, Billions, Thirteen Reasons Why and Designated Survivor, and films, including Bombshell and No Strings Attached. Ben misses being in the ocean at Noosa, eating chicken burgers in North Bondi and watching live music on balmy St Kilda nights, as well as a million other things he used to take for granted. To My Country is his first book.
Bruce Whatley took the plunge into picture books in 1992. Over 90 books later, he is a much-loved and much-awarded illustrator with beloved characters such as Wombat, a Very Ugly Dog and the Little Refugee seen on bookshelves across the world.
Industry Reviews
'A delightful love letter to a homeland: the kind only an Australian could write. Full of humour, charm and deeply felt belonging. And to think of all the orphaned koalas who will benefit from you buying and enjoying this wonderful little book ...'
Stephen Fry
'An impassioned cry from the big, kind heart of a big, kind man.'
Tim Minchin
'Ben Lawson's love of his homeland inspires us all to think of our own roots . . . and the need to protect them.'
Dolly Parton
'Ben Lawson's book is a heartfelt reminder of how desperately we need to think about our future as a country. His sincerity is moving. I dare you not to cry.'
Julia Stone
'Ben Lawson writes in the tradition of his namesake Henry Lawson; an eloquent bush ballad that mourns the tragic fate of one billion bushfire victims.'
Barry Humphries
