A new Jeannie Baker is cause for excitement, and her stunning latest picture book shows an artist and storyteller at her masterful best.

You open up the book to find two volumes that tell two contrasting stories, but ultimately the same story: families living vastly different lifestyles but with similar needs and desires. The Australian father and son are setting out for the hardware store in heavy traffic. The Moroccan father and son are on a lone trek on a donkey through mountains and deserts, with an arid marketplace as their destination.

The dual-book format illustrates the two disparate worlds, but also highlights the universal themes of family, community and home. Baker’s intricate collages are truly amazing, but the cultural respect and humanity in this book make it shine.

Mirror is an important Australian picture book for ages three and up.