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by Jodie Barton (Author), Ana Rodic (Illustrator)
A tender and breathtaking story about courage, culture, belonging, and the journey between two worlds.
Long has just arrived in Australia from Vietnam, but nothing feels familiar.
The words are too fast. The food is different. School feels scary.
And Long wishes more than anything that he could go back home.
Long didn't want to go.
Not today. Not ever.
His tummy twisted like steaming noodles in a bowl and his heart thumped louder than the motorbikes back home in Vietnam.
One day, hiding beneath the old schoolyard tree, Long shares his fears.
Through memories of Vietnam, its bustling streets, noodle stalls, roosters at dawn, and his grandmother's worn sandals, Long remembers who he is, where he comes from, and the strength he carries inside. As his new Australian world slowly opens through Harmony Day celebrations, shared food, warm smiles and a tiny handmade hot air balloon, Long begins to see the beauty around him. He notices kookaburras chortling from the gum trees, sunlight dancing across the Swan River, the scent of eucalyptus drifting on the breeze and school murals that tell bright, welcoming stories without needing words.
A boy waves. Long waves back. A smile becomes a hello, and a tiny thread of friendship begins to form. Little by little, Long discovers that he is not alone. His new world is full of children who play, laugh, and wonder just as he does.
Long realises that laughter sounds the same in every language.
One of the unique features of this book is the powerful conversation between Long and his classmate Charlie, captured at the end of the story.
This authentic, childlike chat offers age-appropriate insight into how children naturally ask questions about culture, food, language, family and migration. It creates a gentle and honest gateway for teachers, parents and students to explore multicultural understanding and celebrate differences with kindness and curiosity.
Beautifully written and rich with Vietnamese culture, Australian landscape and wildlife, and universal themes of friendship and belonging, Grandma's Sandals is a powerful story for children navigating change, migration and new beginnings.
