Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
Title
Aslan and Benny
Author
Jemima Shafei-Ongu
Illustrators
Jade Goodwin
Publisher, Date
Penguin Books, 2025
Audience
3-4yrs, 5-8yrs, Lower Primary, Primary
ISBN
9781761047060
Language
English
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Subjects
- Animals
- Celebrations
- Dogs
- Family
- Fear
- Food
- Mental health
- Pets
- Relationships
- Self-confidence
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Annotation
‘Aslan had the heart and the name of a lion.’ Even so, he, like many children, experiences fear that may be irrational but nevertheless difficult to overcome. Aslan looks forward to Sunday visits with his Turkish cousins, but this time he’s confronted by Benny, the family’s new dog and his own deep-seated fear of them. The family do all that they can to alleviate Aslan’s fears. The story follows Aslan’s actions as he gradually overcomes these fears.
Viewers will pour over the illustrations of family interaction and perhaps note an interesting message. When Aslan is fearful, Benny the dog appears more intimidating, reflecting Aslan's anxiety. As the story progresses and Aslan slowly begins to manage his fear, Benny's appearance becomes friendlier.
The illustrations capture a large and warm-natured family shown enjoying shared activities like eating, playing games and dress ups. There is also a ‘spot the cat’ activity for the observant viewer.
Author Jemima Shafei-Ongu is an experienced psychologist and teacher. She wrote this book to help children to dispel their fear of dogs. At the story’s conclusion, the author includes practical strategies for overcoming anxiety including where to find help if needed.
Jade Goodwin in a First Nations illustrator. She was inspired at an early age in her grandparents’ screen-printing studio.
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Teaching Resources
- Penguin Teachers’ Notes for ‘Aslan and Benny’ https://www.lamontbooks.com.au/media/239050/publisher-notes-aslan-and-benny.pdf
- SBS NITV 8 Aug 2024 ‘Illustrator Jade Goodwin on authentic representation in children’s books’ https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/illustrator-jade-goodwin-on-authentic-representation-in-childrens-books/f3o447oyt
- Story Links 27 Mar 2025 review by Mia Macrossan of ‘Aslan and Benny’ https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2025/03/27/aslan-and-benny-2/
- Jemima Shafei-Ongu author website https://www.jemimashafeiongu.com/
- Speakers Ink biographical profile of Jade Goodwin (illustrator) https://www.speakers-ink.com.au/speakers/jade-goodwin
- Jade Goodwin (illustrator) website includes free activities for ‘Aslan and Benny.’ https://jadegoodwin.com.au/books/aslanandbenny