Indigenous Australian author Victor Steffensen has released The Trees, an engaging picture book about caring for Country and respecting Indigenous knowledge.
Looking after the trees is important for keeping Country happy and healthy. First Nations People have cared for the trees on Country for thousands of years. In return, the trees look after the people and provide them with gifts of seeds, flowers, wood, and more. This creates a balance between giving and taking from the land.
Featuring eye-catching artwork by Victor’s sister, artist Sandra Steffensen, The Trees is a powerful story to help future generations manage our landscapes and ensure that they thrive.
At the back of the book, you will find lyrics to a song written by Steffensen with the title, ‘We are the Trees’, and a QR code to watch the song’s YouTube video.
This book is the follow-up to Steffensen’s bestselling Looking after Country with Fire, which explains Aboriginal burning practices for children and has sold over 12,000 copies since its release in 2022.
Steffensen is a descendant of the Tagalaka people, much of his work has been based on reviving traditional knowledge values. He is the co-founder of Firesticks, an Indigenous-led organisation that aims to re-invigorate the use of cultural burning.
