One race by Gregg Dreise

On each page an illustration reflects the united humanity of us all. We are all of one race, the human race, and Gregg Dreise’s stunning images reflect the techniques he has used in previous books, Silly birds and Cunning crow being two of my favourites. 

Back and white hands join together ont the cover, both part of the greater race to which we all belong. And this is repeated throughout the book. In rhyming pairs of lines, Dreise propels his ideas, using words such as humanity, unity, kindness, compassion, empathy and equality, and phrases like, walking side by side, and racism will not exist with equality. 

On each page, readers will see a wonderfully panorama inviting children to look closely at the details on each page and read the succinct words accompanying the illustration. On one page the dove of peace moves over the blue background with the words humanity written across its body. Several pages reveal an image of the world, showing that we are all one race, the human race. Another page shows a staircase leads upwards but only one group of people are on the staircase, others are behind the bars of the prison beneath. The image of Uluru is enclosed by the arms a black and white, going their hands together over the sunrise. 

Most pages are full of positive words, using words such as compassion and equality. But some pages show the results of the ugliness of racism, people in prison, a family being vilified, people kowtowing to a leader. Each of these will promote deeper thought and discussion amongst children about the lack of opportunity afforded to some, in a country which promotes more.

Themes: Aboriginal themes, Racism, Humanity.

Fran Knight