Author(s): Marie Connolly; Jenny Lee (Illustrator)

Children

Our primary objective in developing the Our Backyard series is to nurture curiosity and a deeper connection to Aotearoa for children through an engagement with travel. Relatedly, desired outcomes include: a deeper sense of cultural connection to the environment for children; the stimulation of geo-literacy skills and eco-identity; the provision of an engaging and formative experience for children that establishes a foundation for future connection and attachment to Aotearoa; a resource for parents and families that supports them to strengthen cultural connectedness, identity-building and a sense of belonging for their children. Today's world for many children is increasingly confined to narrow physical spaces - the impersonal shopping mall, and the ubiquitous technological experience. There are ways in which we can nurture an alternative, deeper connection to the physical environment of Aotearoa through the engagement of children and their parents with travel. The place-based books present a new and innovative approach to children's story-telling that focuses on environmental connectedness, eco-identity and a sense of belonging for children. Raising questions through place-based stories helps develop geo-literacy strengths - What do I know about my country? What has happened in the past here? How does this relate to me? These questions strengthen curiosity and a sense of self in relationship to natural and social ecosystems, generating both attachment and respect. As new writers we bring a different knowledge base and experience to the project. An artist and writer of te reo Maori resources, Jenny has successfully adapted her skills to children's illustration. Marie brings extensive writing skills and expertise in children's development to children's storybook writing. As New Zealanders we have a curiosity about Aotearoa's bicultural history, and we are committed to advancing bicultural themes in the books we produce. Paradoxically, it has been the applying, and then lifting of Covid-19 restrictions that has inspired the Our Backyard project. The Prime Minister's plea to Kiwis that they see their own backyards has created a window of opportunity for us to advance a project that prioritises travel within Aotearoa. The books are intended to create a Aotearoa connection for children and will also be of interest to parents and families living overseas, even though they may never return to live in New Zealand, they will reinforce their sense of place.