Two Mates

Two Mates is the true story of the special mateship between two young boys who have grown up together in the coastal town of Broome in Australia’s north-west. This simple picture book for young children with clear and lively illustrations, tells about the day-to-day activities of the two boys: together they search for hermit crabs, go hunting for barni, fish for salmon, explore the markets, eat satays and dress up as superheroes.

The story is based on the real-life friendship of Jack, who is Indigenous and Raf, who is non-Indigenous. The fact that Raf has spina bifida and is in a wheelchair is revealed only in the illustration at the end of the story. The book succeeds in demonstrating that physical disability need not be a barrier to friendship.

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