By Emily Wurramara & Sylvia Wurramarrba Kkac
Illustrated by Dylan Mooney
Reviewed by Mia Macrossan
Emily is an Indigenous Australian singer and songwriter. Here she and Sylvia have teamed up with Dylan, a Yuwi, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander man from Mackay who works across painting, printmaking, digital illustration and drawing.
Marringa means sleeping in Anindilyakwa. This is the board book version of the lullaby aimed at helping children wind down at the end of the day, while encouraging some contemplation of nature and country.
The words take you on a journey across country while dreaming of all the animals you’ve either seen or come across in your day. Cockatoos, a goanna, a flying fox and turtles feature and are given their indigenous names as well as English. The refrain does not need translation.
The simple strong uncluttered images combined with warm sunset colours will appeal to young children. I mean it as a compliment when I say that nothing exciting happens – this is all about slowing down, quiet time, being still. Gradually the night encroaches, the stars come out and everyone sleeps.
You can listen to the song on YouTube or the ABC and readalong – definitely worth including in your end of day rituals.
Emily is an Indigenous Australian singer and songwriter. Here she and Sylvia have teamed up with Dylan, a Yuwi, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander man from Mackay who works across painting, printmaking, digital illustration and drawing.
