When the people of the Island discover a man and a tattered raft on their beach, they are reluctant to take him in. He doesn't look like them. But they cannot send him back to the sea where he will surely perish. Instead, they put him aside but even that doesn't solve their problem. The Island is an astonishing and powerful picture book about refugees, xenophobia, multiculturalism, social politics and human rights. It tackles big themes in subtle ways with a fable-like text and stunning artwork that will provoke discussion for upper primary and secondary school levels about issues that remain so much a part of our national discourse.

About the Author

Picture book illustrator Armin Greder was born in Switzerland and migrated to Brisbane, Australia in 1971. Armin has worked as a graphic designer and currently lectures tertiary art students, illustrating picture books in between teaching and other interests. As a child Armin spent a lot of time drawing in the back of his exercise books when he should have been paying attention in class. In books such as The Great Bear and An Ordinary Day his art reflects his European background. Charcoal often features in his work.

Reviews

'...offers an important message. Powerful and timely, it provokes discussion about one of the most pertinent issues facing us today...stunning artwork and clear, concise text...appeals to all ages.'Toowoomba Chronicle, 18/8/07'...an important book, and no less important for being pitched at young children as well as adults. The way it reveals the prejudice inherent in humanity is superb...a kind of anti-fairy tale...There are many aspects of The Islandwhich make it wonderful...belongs on bookshelves everywhere.'blogcritics.org, 28/8/07