Emily Bell

This book is poorly written, strangely illustrated and most concerningly dismissive of racism and it's impact. The illustrations suggest black people looked at Alfred Deakin with respect and admiration but his actions do not support this. Alfred Deakin was a strong proponent of the White Australia policy which the book points out "was racism" but then bizarrely encourages you not think of Deakin as a "meanie". It excuses his actions and characterises them as something everyone believed in at the time. It says "He loved to engage in conversations with anybody and everybody" which is a completely meaningless sentiment when his policies prove he considered anyone not white to be subhuman. The book fails to adequately highlight what exactly and how bad the impact of his policies were on non-white Australians which is very concerning since this is aimed at primary school aged children who do not yet have critical thinking. The quirky animals wearing hats and mustaches cannot distract from the fact this is a poorly written book that perpetuates racism.