Allen & Unwin Children’s Books have announced they will be releasing the first picture book by former AFL player Adam Goodes. Titled Somebody’s Land, the book is co-authored with Ellie Laing, and illustrated by Barkinjii artist David Hardy.

Goodes said that fatherhood was what inspired Somebody’s Land. ‘I love reading to my daughter Adelaide. I hope the series gives readers the opportunity to learn something new and have more conversations because of it. This book is a reflection of me. I’m incredibly hopeful. I choose to be positive, to help us heal as a nation.’

Goodes’ picture book is the first in a five-part series of picture books called Welcome to Country. They will be aimed at four to eight-year-olds, produced by Goodes, Laing and Hardy, to educate young readers about terra nullius and Indigenous sovreignty.

Somebody’s Land will be available in November, and can be pre-ordered here.