Four San men living in the dry desert region of Southern Africa, track and hunt an Eland bull, large enough to feed all their families. When they return home, the whole community comes out to help, before celebrating with food, dance and music. Join us on a cultural journey of tracking and hunting through beautiful, semi-arid Southern African landscapes. Gain insight into the San people’s ancient knowledge and skills, passed down the generations for millennia. Detailed in realistic illustrations by the talented artist, Geoff Higgs. Scientific notes and information are provided at the back of the book
Margaret James, M.Ed (TESOL), is the winner of several accolades including NT Australian of the Year finalist, QUT Faculty of Education outstanding alumni, Courier Mail 50 Brightest and Best. She was shaped by her multilingual rural childhood in Southern Africa where Indigenous languages surrounded her. This significantly influenced her choice of tertiary studies - among these were linguistics, languages, education, Teaching English as an Additional Language, choral conducting and voice. This background was to prove invaluable when, after a fulfilling and varied career in several countries, she moved into Indigenous Education in Australia. The paucity of engaging, early-reading material for EALD learners and her relationship with Elders of several Australian Nations, led her to develop several linguistically and culturally appropriate books and resources in English and several Aboriginal languages. Her first series is the innovative and highly successful Honey Ant® Readers. While visiting schools and communities in order to deliver Professional Development for the Honey Ant® Readers, Margaret became increasingly aware of the similar need for engaging, early-reading material for older learners as well. She worked closely with Elders, students and illustrators to develop linguistically and culturally appropriate learn-to-read story books for older readers, and books which could be enjoyed by non-Indigenous readers equally, while teaching them about the cultures and food gathering practices of Australian First Peoples. This included trips to the desert and the coast with Elders and children who shared their knowledge about tracking, hunting and fishing for food. Reading Tracks® - stories about hunting, tracking and fishing - is the result!
Geoff Higgs was raised and lived most of his life in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), before emigrating to Australia with his wife and two daughters. He was a mostly self-taught artist – principally a cartoonist, but also enjoyed painting landscapes. He always had a keen interest in wildlife. Sadly Geoff passed away soon after completing the illustrations in May 2018.
The details in this beautifully illustrated book about San people tracking and hunting are authentic, embedded in a fictional, but realistic, story. The story highlights contemporary hunting and cultural practices in Southern Africa so similar to those of Indigenous Australians. The book raises awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures. Colourful, detailed illustrations engage readers. For such a unique resource, the book is good value. FOR: people of all ages to enjoy an informative book about about tracking and hunting practices. It broadens awareness, deepens understanding and changes attitudes on the world's first peoples.
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