My Dad's Gone Away
Tarah missed her Dad and she asked her Mum where he had gone...
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 a child faces when a 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 and what their future may look like. This age-appropriate story will help to encourage safe conversations around a difficult topic and promote empathy in children with different life experiences. My Dad’s Gone Away is written through a child’s perspective and is illustrated with care and complemented by soft warm tones. Paul Seden’s evocative and timeless imagery underpin a powerful story and captures the heartache of dealing with missing a parent.
Andrew Krakouer is a proud Minang (Nyoongar) and Inggarda (Yamatji) man. Mustering resolve and resilience, he is now committed to helping others overcome adversity. He is a regular speaker in prisons and guest speaker to clubs, businesses and corporate events about positive change. Andrew is a former AFL footballer who played for the Richmond and Collingwood Football Clubs. His post-football career involves football commentating on the NIRS and radio SEN’s AFL Live Nation, he cohosts NITV’s Yokayi Footy and is an Indigenous Engagement Leader in the construction industry.
Jacqueline Dinan, a former accredited foster carer, who gave respite to many children while a parent of theirs was incarcerated. She is also a funeral celebrant and author of three previous titles that celebrated remarkable people. Jacqueline was raised on a farm in South Gippsland and is a North Melbourne supporter; ironically she sports Andrew’s father, Jimmy Krakouer’s number 3 on the back of her duffel coat. Married with three sons, and two grandchildren, she now lives in Melbourne.
Paul Seden is descended from the Wuthathi and Muralag people of North Queensland. He grew up in Darwin and lives there with his family. Paul loves to draw and create stories about real and imaginary characters. He is a born storyteller, performs at local festivals and is a some-time comedian. Paul has written and illustrated several children’s books.
