Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Polly Marsden, Illustrated by Chris Nixon, Lothian Children’s Books, $19.99.
It’s an unavoidable fact of life: there will always be bushfires in Australia. We all remember the devastating start to the fire season in late 2019. The situation quickly got destructive before rains helped contain many of the worst fires in February 2020.
The timing and intensity of the fires were unprecedented. It was a bushfire crisis that was likened to “looking into the gates of hell” as large areas of Australia were engulfed by flames.
Be on alert at all times. Bushfire awareness should start as soon as possible, for both young and old. That’s where The Bushfire Book is a handy reminder, especially for young children.
Simply, and attractively illustrated, the bushfire responsiveness is clear in this reassuring picture book. It teaches children what they need to know about bushfires so they can understand what’s happening and be smart and ready, not scared.
This accessible narrative will make it easier to understand what causes bushfires, introduce all the clever people who are keeping an eye on everyone. It’s practical and outlines what action to take to feel less anxious and more prepared as Australia faces longer and more intense bushfire seasons.
The Bushfire Book offers factual information based on national RFS guidelines in reassuring language to help reduce children’s anxiety. It is the perfect teaching resource and it includes a poster with key information and graphics for use at home or school.
Each year we face the threat of bushfire, and as we have seen, the effects can be catastrophic. We should not wait until summer to start preparing for the bushfire season. There are many actions that can be taken throughout the year to help prepare our community for bushfire. It’s also important to have a bushfire survival plan.
It is easy to see Marsden is passionate about the power of words to inspire positive social change. Nixon’s images lend credibility to these messages.
