Australia’s First Picture Book About Parents in Prison
Donate Here
•
Culture
A new children’s book addresses the incarceration of parents. It’s titled My Dad’s Gone Away and was written by Andrew Krakouer and Jacqueline Dinan. In the story, Tarah’s dad has gone away, and she doesn’t know where. She imagines he is doing all the things he loves, but, when she asks her mum, everything changes. This heartfelt, honest and sensitively told story explores the challenges faced by a child when their parent is incarcerated. My Dad’s Gone Away sheds light on an unspoken issue and gently encourages children and families to talk about how they feel, prepare for visiting day and bolster their resilience to help pass the time.
This age-appropriate story will help encourage such children to have safe conversations with a trusted adult, whether that’s a family member, caseworker, teacher, social worker, coach or carer. For children whose lives are not affected by parental incarceration, this story should promote empathy and compassion as they become aware of different life experiences.
My Dad’s Gone Away is written from a child’s perspective and is illustrated with care, complemented by soft, warm tones. The story captures the confusion, curiosity and heartache of dealing with missing a parent.
It was created by acclaimed Australian rules footballer the late Andrew Krakouer and former foster carer and host mother Jacqueline Dinan, in collaboration with illustrator Paul Seden. It is a tool to help children feel that they are not alone and to break down stigmas surrounding their circumstances.
An Indigenous girl named Tarah was chosen as the main character to help shine a light on the disproportional incarceration rates incurred by First Nations people in this country. First Nations people account for 3.2 per cent of the Australian population but for 32 per cent of Australia’s incarcerated population.
The book was published by Magabala Books and generously endorsed by Australian singer and songwriter Paul Kelly. My Dad’s Gone Away is a strong, direct and important story, beautifully told and illustrated.
A new children’s book addresses the incarceration of parents. It’s titled My Dad’s Gone Away and was written by Andrew Krakouer and Jacqueline Dinan. In the story, Tarah’s dad has gone away, and she doesn’t know where. She imagines he is doing all the things he loves, but, when she asks her mum, everything changes. This heartfelt, honest and sensitively told story explores the challenges faced by a child when their parent is incarcerated. My Dad’s Gone Away sheds light on an unspoken issue and gently encourages children and families to talk about how they feel, prepare for visiting day and bolster their resilience to help pass the time.
This age-appropriate story will help encourage such children to have safe conversations with a trusted adult, whether that’s a family member, caseworker, teacher, social worker, coach or carer. For children whose lives are not affected by parental incarceration, this story should promote empathy and compassion as they become aware of different life experiences.
My Dad’s Gone Away is written from a child’s perspective and is illustrated with care, complemented by soft, warm tones. The story captures the confusion, curiosity and heartache of dealing with missing a parent.
It was created by acclaimed Australian rules footballer the late Andrew Krakouer and former foster carer and host mother Jacqueline Dinan, in collaboration with illustrator Paul Seden. It is a tool to help children feel that they are not alone and to break down stigmas surrounding their circumstances.
An Indigenous girl named Tarah was chosen as the main character to help shine a light on the disproportional incarceration rates incurred by First Nations people in this country. First Nations people account for 3.2 per cent of the Australian population but for 32 per cent of Australia’s incarcerated population.
The book was published by Magabala Books and generously endorsed by Australian singer and songwriter Paul Kelly. My Dad’s Gone Away is a strong, direct and important story, beautifully told and illustrated.
Batman: Year One
Batman: Year One
Batman: Year One
By Grace J.
By Grace J.
First published in 1987, Batman: Year One follows Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham after 12 years away.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 4
•
4 MIN READ
Movie Review of The Wasp
Movie Review of The Wasp
Movie Review of The Wasp
By Vincent
By Vincent
The Wasp is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps the viewer in suspense until the very last moment.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 9
•
2 MIN READ
‘Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience’ Exhibition Opens in Melbourne
‘Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience’ Exhibition Opens in Melbourne
‘Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience’ Exhibition Opens in Melbourne
By About Time
By About Time
A new art exhibition in Melbourne calls attention to Indigenous incarceration in Australia. It’s on from April to July 2025 at Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 10
•
3 MIN READ
Sports of All Sorts
Sports of All Sorts
Sports of All Sorts
By Goal Mouth
By Goal Mouth
Today About Time launches a regular sports column. Please let us know what you’d like to see covered.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 14
•
3 MIN READ
You Can Make Ice Cream in Prison. Here’s How.
By Geoff
All you need is eggs, cream, condensed milk and 24 hours.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 21
•
2 MIN READ
Sports Round Up!
By Goal Mouth
An overview of recent sporting events, including AFL, F1, football and cricket.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 21
•
3 MIN READ
Parkrun Behind Bars: How a Weekly 5km Is Building Community in Australian Prisons
By Denham Sadler
Every Saturday morning in four prisons around the country, a 5km fun run takes place.
Culture
ISSUE NO. 20
•
6 MIN READ
The Potential of Video Games in Prison
By Stacey Stokes
Video games can be helpful for people both inside and leaving prison. They’re not only entertaining, but they can help people deal with the trauma of prison and re-entry in the community.
Culture