1. Art
2. Books and reading
3. Fantasy
4. Imagination
5. Perseverance
6. Visual literacy

In this quietly reflective story, a young girl wishes for her own freedom machine, via which she might break through boundaries and explore the world. The story has the feel of a fantasy tale, as we explore the protagonist’s imagination. The beautifully sparse and lyrical text is brought to life with Ottley’s breathtaking illustrations, done in oils on canvas. The sparkling blues and greens of the water, sky and mountains seem to reflect light, a vivid contrast to the muted colours of the caravan park where the girl lives.

The text and illustrations work together to convey the message that literature has the power to transport us to fantastical places. In these imagined worlds one can float away from a world ‘sewn together by boundaries.’ Children will be inspired to wonder and dream about what their own freedom machines might look like, and to discuss themes of bravery, hope, breaking boundaries, perseverance, freedom and imagination. The author, Kirli Saunders, is a Gunai woman with ties to the Yuin, Gundungurra, Gadigal and Biripi people.

1. Children’s Books Daily by Megan Daley. The Incredible Freedom Machines. https://childrensbooksdaily.com/book_reviews/review-the-incredible-freedom-machines/
2. Pegi Williams. Teacher Notes. The Incredible Freedom Machines. https://www.pegiwilliams.com.au/pdfs/teachernotes/9781760275228.pdf
3. Lamont Books. Teachers’ Notes by Rae Carlyle. The Incredible Freedom Machines. https://www.lamontbooks.com.au/media/119670/publishers-notes-the-incredible-freedom-machines.pdf
4. Interview with Kirli Saunders by Megan Daley, 4 July 2018 https://childrensbooksdaily.com/book-peoplekirli-saunders/