New children’s book explores the landmark campaign to stop the damming of Tasmania’s Franklin River
- Entertaining and accessible fictionalised account of the most significant environmental protest in Australia’s history
- Fight for the Franklin includes the battle to protect Kutikina cave, led by Aboriginal activists, shared here with permission
- Celebrates people power and environmental protest
- Lush illustrations by Tasmanian artist Lois Bury showcase flora and fauna unique to the area, with hidden creatures to be found on every page
Cover image, Fight for the Franklin
Cover image, Fight for the Franklin
Fern’s grandpa tells her about the Franklin campaign and what it was like camping in the wilderness, paddling ‘rubber duckies’ on the river and participating in a seminal campaign of peaceful protest.
This new title from NLA Publishing combines evocative, poetic descriptions of Tasmania’s south-western landscape, with a real sense of the action and drama of the protests.
A compelling reason for me to take on this project was the family connection of my sister being arrested over a week in 1982 and spending Christmas in gaol for fighting for the Franklin. It was an extraordinary time in environmental activism, It was also important for me to capture the beauty of the rainforest, the flora and fauna.
We are proud to be telling this story in a way that will galvanise and entertain young readers. This is a celebration of the bravery of the blockaders and the Aboriginal defenders of Kutikina cave, and we hope it will spark conversation and connection.
Fight for the Franklin includes links to key curriculum areas and features historical images and personal reflections from the people who were there, including former politician and environmentalist, Bob Brown and activist and lawyer, Michael Mansell.
The book will be popular for classrooms and libraries as an ideal introduction to peaceful environmental activism for readers aged 8 to 12 years. Comprehensive teacher’s notes are downloadable from our website.
Fight for the Franklin will be released on 1 September.
About the author
Jane Jolly is a primary school teacher in Adelaide. She has written many award-winning picture books, including Tea and Sugar Christmas and Radio Rescue for NLA Publishing. Her books have been previous winners of the ABIA Small Publisher Children’s Book of the Year award, and shortlisted and longlisted in many CBCA award categories.
About the illustrator
Lois Bury’s award-winning titles The Way of the Weedy Seadragon and The Bird Lovers’ Ball are highlights of her illustrating journey. Fight for the Franklin is a special project for her, due to the personal connection through her sister, and because she loves bushwalking in the Tasmanian south-west wilderness.
Media kit
Jane Jolly and Lois Bury are available for interview. Please contact us to enquire.
Media enquiries
Lauren Conron | Media Liaison
0401 226 697 | media@nla.gov.au