"Welcome to Australia" is a picture book designed for immigrant and refugee children to read with their parents, and is available in six languages: English, Arabic, Dari Persian, Indonesian, Mandarin, and Spanish. It teaches about Australian animals, weather, cultural norms, pre-European history, holidays, and much more—in an entertaining and colourful way. It is written and illustrated by award-winning author Felicity Banks with the assistance of dozens of immigrants, refugees, and translators.

Virginia Haussegger will launch the book at Pulp Bookcafe in Gold Creek.

A range of native speakers will be reading the book in each of the six languages. Each language will also be represented by food from a related part of the world.

Every ticket sold will be used to sponsor a donation of one of the books to a school or refugee-supporting organisation. Children are free.

There will also be a $5 raffle, the profits of which will be donated to the Castle of Kindness Refugee Sponsorship Group.

And live music by Duncan n. Sargeant!

Sneak Peek!

Have you ever seen a real life Australian?

Do they have thirty-two arms and three heads? Do they scream like a cockatoo or boom like an emu?

Australians can be TALL or SHORT, FAT or THIN, OLD or YOUNG, RICH or POOR (but they would never say out loud that someone was fat or old or poor). It doesn’t matter if you are YOUNG or THIN or SHORT or RICH… Australians are friendly to everyone.

What are Australians like?

Are they very stinky? Are they very cranky and cross? No! Australians love to laugh and joke, and they even joke about themselves! Australians love to rellaaaaaaaxxx and have fun, especially at the beach or watching footy, rugby, or cricket.

How do you say hello to an Australian?

Do you bow or clap or give them a great BIG KISS? Maybe! But usually just a nod is good. Or you can shake hands. Sometimes you can give someone a hug, or even a kiss on the cheek. You can even invent a special handshake with a friend.

True or False?

When an Aussie asks you to, “Bring a plate”

it means they don’t have enough crockery.

(answers at the back)

Are Australians rude?

Some people think so, but it’s not on purpose! Those silly Australians leave their shoes on in someone else’s house… unless someone asks them to take their shoes off. They are careful not to spit in public or litter… even though they often use rough words. Australians try hard to be independent… but when a friend needs help they will be there for you. Aussies often shorten names, which is their way of being friendly.