When the Mountain Wakes

Available September 2025

Somewhere, towards the beginning of time,
a mountain rose from the ocean and came to rest above the clouds.
Life sang a lullaby, and the mountain slept for many millions of years.
Until one day, when the world became too silent for sleep …

From bestselling creator Matt Shanks comes a sweeping, profound and ambitious picture book. A powerful reflection on hope and healing, When the Mountain Wakes is a classic in the making.

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This very entertaining play on an old rhyme will enthral young readers and keep them involved throughout the book with all the Australian animals.

Margaret Hamilton, Pinerolo

This is a great version of the well known nursery rhyme. The illustrations highlight Matt Shanks' skill with watercolours.

Megan Stuart, Bug Reviews

My deep gratitude to our traditional custodians

I have lived and worked my whole life in Gadigal and Boon Wurrung Country in what we now call Australia. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I do my work and I pay my respects to elders past and present. I acknowledge the sorrow of the stolen generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and through my work, aim to help as much as I can to empower and help them thrive.

The land we call Australia always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Contact

For general enquiries, commissions, and speaking enquiries, send an email to hi@mattshanks.com.au

For book enquiries, please contact Margaret Connolly & Associates

When the Mountain Wakes

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My deep gratitude to our traditional custodians

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