Our Map is a heart-warming children's book that explores themes of friendship, heritage, and the power of imagination and educates young readers about the importance of cultural understanding and the value of creating new narratives. It is perfect for families, educators, and anyone looking to inspire children to embrace their heritage and appreciate the diverse world around them.

JJ's best friend, Lee, struggles with maps because his parents, who were refugees, fled their homeland at a very young age. Lee doesn't know where his parents' country is and feels a sense of loss and confusion. In a tender moment, JJ attempts to show Lee their home countries on the map, highlighting the vast deserts of Australia, the beautiful national parks of Bangladesh, and the immense Great Wall of China. However, Lee's parents' country is nowhere to be found on the map. This realisation prompts JJ and Lee to understand that not all places are represented on traditional maps, especially those lost to conflict and change. Lee's poignant story of his parents' homeland, which had water, houses, animals, and playgrounds that disappeared, underscores the transient nature of maps and the histories they represent.

Determined to create something new and meaningful, JJ suggests drawing a new map. With the help of their teacher, Miss Young, and their classmates, JJ and Lee gather papers and markers to start their creative project. Each child contributes drawings of their homes and favourite places, from Clare's family house in the Netherlands to Luke's townhouse and pizza. Lee sketches a playground and an old house, while JJ adds a treehouse next to a botanic garden. Together, they assemble their drawings into a unique map that reflects their diverse backgrounds and shared experiences. This new map, unlike any other, becomes a symbol of their unity and creativity. The children proudly hold up their new map, knowing that it represents their identity and no one can take it away.

About the Author
Angie Cui, also known as Yanting Cui, is a Melbourne-based author passionate about children's literature. Her work has been featured in ABC Everyday, SBS Voices, The Guardian, and Sydney Morning Herald. Born in Harbin, China, Angie moved to Australia at 18 and pursued a career in banking before transitioning to office manager for the Children's Book Council of Australia VIC Branch. As an active member of CBCA VIC, SCBWI, Writers Victoria, and ASA, Angie is dedicated to promoting literacy and storytelling. She resides in Melbourne with her husband and two children, embracing their multicultural heritage of Australian, Bangladeshi, and Chinese roots. Angie crafts tales that celebrate diversity and cultural identity, empowering children to find themselves in the stories they read. Novia Heroanto is a Sydney-based illustrator and early childhood teacher. She predominantly works by penciling her initial ideas on paper and finalizing the complete illustrations on both computer and iPad. Her inspiration flows from the candid interactions, conversations, and ideas of the young children that she teaches, as well as her toddler at home. She envisions herself as a bridge between early years education and the creative art sector to nurture empathy and creativity through drawings, and stories.


Book Information
ISBN 9781761112362
Author Angie Cui
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Wombat Books
Publisher Wombat Books