Penny's Reviews and Chat

Dreamtime Man

by Margot Finke

Artwork by Ioana Zdralea

I'm a great, and long time fan of Margot Finke’s children’s stories, as you know. I’m completely enthralled with this new one, Dreamtime Man. It is absolutely one of her best. It’s in rhyme and powerfully relates the stories of ancient Australian aboriginal tribes who used to roam the wild, untamed lands of Australia. Her word pictures are perfect jewels:

Imagine a wild place where sun burns the sand,

Where water and food must be scratched form the land.

This place was the wellspring of men black as coal,

And Dreamtime ruled all who endured as one soul.

 

Ms. Finke doesn’t pull any punches in this book. She tells the poignant and tragic story of these long ago peoples with strong rhythms and vivid language. Taking you back to their ancient everyday life, she presnets their struggle to survive in the rough land where they lived. Then she brings you through the devastation brought by the white man.

Then came the white man—he invaded their land,

He brought grim dilemmas no black man had planned.

The whites came with families, with cattle and sheep.

They changed life forever, making sky spirits weep.

She shows you how they’ve made it through to the present day and are now reclaiming their proud heritage:

Today when they gather ‘round Corroboree fire,

Men dance old Legends while the Spirits inspire.

"Dreamtime" still leads them where white men can't follow,

Where spirits of old offer hope for the ‘morrow.

In her book we see into a proud past long gone by, but Ms. Finke brings it fully to life now with her rhymes and the amazing artwork of Ioana Zdralea. Ms. Zdralea has captured the spirit and mystical nature of the aboriginal peoples. Her portrayal of the peoples is spot on and her background landscapes are breathtaking. This is truly a wonderful collaboration between author and artist.

"Dreamtime Man" is an exciting addition to any class studying the ancient aborigines of Australia. At the back of the book Ms. Finke had thoughtfully provided an “Aussie” glossary and lots of resources for further study of Australia, its ancient peoples, and their art. This is a book that can be read over and over. It works especially well as a read aloud story—so you can fully appreciate the language, imagery, and rich illustrations. This story is highly recommended for all ages, and for home and school libraries. 

More information about Margot Finke at http://www.margotfinke.com

Available from www.amazon.com and www.powells.com 
plus other online bookstores.

Signed copies available from Margot Finke at http://www.margotfinke.com

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Tags:

Dreamtime Man, Margot Finke, Ioana Zdralea, Australia, Aborginal peoples, outback, primitive cultures, white man, struggle to survive, mystical spirits, legends, folklore, children's books, history