“Way Away" By Trish Butler, Elizabeth Hawkes (Illustrator)

Way Away is a gentle, powerful picture book that explores the emotional impact of displacement and disconnection from home, family, and culture. Inspired by real experiences of the Stolen Generations, it offers a poignant, child-appropriate entry point into important conversations around loss, survival, resilience, and reconnection to Country.

The lyrical narrative, written by Yuin singer-songwriter Trish Butler, uses accessible language to express complex intergenerational trauma. This story is enriched by Dhurga language elements and references to Yuin cultural protocols, grounding the tale in place and heritage.

Elizabeth Hawkes' illustrations complement the text with warm, earthy tones and symbolic landscapes that reflect the emotional and physical journey of the child at the story’s heart.

A valuable resource for educators, families, and libraries, Way Away nurtures empathy and cultural understanding and contributes meaningfully to ongoing conversations about truth-telling and reconciliation.