Looking After Country with Fire by Victor Steffensen Aboriginal children's book
Looking After Country with Fire by Victor Steffensen Aboriginal children's book

Looking After Country with Fire - Aboriginal Burning Knowledge With Uncle Kuu

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Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge with Uncle Kuu is an engaging First Nations children's picture book by Victor Steffensen, beautifully illustrated by Sandra Steffensen.

Join Uncle Kuu as he takes young readers out onto Country to discover how Aboriginal people have used cultural burning for thousands of years to care for the land, encourage plants to regenerate and create healthy habitats for animals and people.

The book introduces children to the idea that Country has its own language. By observing the land and understanding its signs, people can learn when and where fire can be used safely and effectively.

Young readers discover that cultural burning is not simply about starting a fire. Aboriginal burning practices involve careful observation, knowledge of Country and using the right type of fire at the right time and place.

Through accessible storytelling and stunning Australian artwork, Looking After Country with Fire explores Indigenous land management, fire ecology, environmental care, Australian ecosystems and connection to Country.

The book provides an important opportunity for children to learn about First Nations knowledge and the ways Aboriginal people have cared for Country over generations.

At the back of the book, readers will also find the lyrics to Victor Steffensen's song “Looking After Country with Fire”.

Why You'll Love It

  • Learn about cultural burning: Introduces children to Aboriginal approaches to caring for Country with fire.

  • Connects science and Country: Explores fire ecology, plants, animals and Australian ecosystems through Indigenous knowledge.

  • Encourages environmental care: Helps children understand the importance of looking after Country.

  • Beautifully illustrated: Sandra Steffensen's artwork brings Country, plants and animals to life.

  • Award-winning: Winner of the 2023 Karajia Award for Children's Literature.

Book Details

  • Title: Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge with Uncle Kuu

  • Author: Victor Steffensen

  • Illustrator: Sandra Steffensen

  • Publisher: Hardie Grant Explore

  • Format: Hardback

  • Pages: 40

  • ISBN: 9781741177824

  • Published: 19 January 2022

  • Age: 5–10 years

  • Genre: First Nations Children's Picture Book

  • Language: English

  • Themes: Cultural burning, Indigenous knowledge, fire management, Country, environment, ecology, land management and sustainability

Looking After Country with Fire is a valuable choice for families, educators and libraries looking for Aboriginal children's books about cultural burning, Indigenous knowledge, caring for Country and Australian environmental science.

Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge with Uncle Kuu is an engaging First Nations children's picture book by Victor Steffensen, beautifully illustrated by Sandra Steffensen.

Join Uncle Kuu as he takes young readers out onto Country to discover how Aboriginal people have used cultural burning for thousands of years to care for the land, encourage plants to regenerate and create healthy habitats for animals and people.

The book introduces children to the idea that Country has its own language. By observing the land and understanding its signs, people can learn when and where fire can be used safely and effectively.

Young readers discover that cultural burning is not simply about starting a fire. Aboriginal burning practices involve careful observation, knowledge of Country and using the right type of fire at the right time and place.

Through accessible storytelling and stunning Australian artwork, Looking After Country with Fire explores Indigenous land management, fire ecology, environmental care, Australian ecosystems and connection to Country.

The book provides an important opportunity for children to learn about First Nations knowledge and the ways Aboriginal people have cared for Country over generations.

At the back of the book, readers will also find the lyrics to Victor Steffensen's song “Looking After Country with Fire”.

Why You'll Love It

  • Learn about cultural burning: Introduces children to Aboriginal approaches to caring for Country with fire.

  • Connects science and Country: Explores fire ecology, plants, animals and Australian ecosystems through Indigenous knowledge.

  • Encourages environmental care: Helps children understand the importance of looking after Country.

  • Beautifully illustrated: Sandra Steffensen's artwork brings Country, plants and animals to life.

  • Award-winning: Winner of the 2023 Karajia Award for Children's Literature.

Book Details

  • Title: Looking After Country with Fire: Aboriginal Burning Knowledge with Uncle Kuu

  • Author: Victor Steffensen

  • Illustrator: Sandra Steffensen

  • Publisher: Hardie Grant Explore

  • Format: Hardback

  • Pages: 40

  • ISBN: 9781741177824

  • Published: 19 January 2022

  • Age: 5–10 years

  • Genre: First Nations Children's Picture Book

  • Language: English

  • Themes: Cultural burning, Indigenous knowledge, fire management, Country, environment, ecology, land management and sustainability

Looking After Country with Fire is a valuable choice for families, educators and libraries looking for Aboriginal children's books about cultural burning, Indigenous knowledge, caring for Country and Australian environmental science.

frequently asked questions

  • The book introduces children to Aboriginal cultural burning and explains how First Nations people have used knowledge of fire, plants, animals and Country to care for Australian landscapes.

  • Cultural burning refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fire practices that use detailed knowledge of Country, weather, plants, animals and seasons to manage land with carefully planned fire.

  • The book is designed for children aged 5–10 years and is suitable for lower-primary and primary-aged readers.

  • The book was written by Victor Steffensen and illustrated by Sandra Steffensen.

  • Yes. The book can support classroom learning across English, Science, Geography and The Arts. Teaching notes include activities exploring cultural burning, fire ecology, land management, Country, plants, animals and environmental care.