In the Kelp Forest
By Aunty Patsy Cameron & Reena Balding
Illustrated by Belinda Casey
Reviewed by Mia Macrossan
Magabala Books continue to publish high quality titles by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Here is one exploring Country beneath the waves and celebrating the kelp forests, the creatures that live there, as well as giving the reader an insight into the Cultural knowledge of Tasmania’s First Nations people.
Kelp forests are important in the balance of life in oceans and seas and provide homes for many creatures. Called Myerlee in the Oyster Bay and the Coastal Plains nation languages, (used throughout the book, plus three names from the Tyereelore women of the Furneaux Islands), the giant kelp provides shelter and food for many diverse creatures.
The text is flowing and lyrical, effortlessly inserting first nation names while imparting knowledge of interest to everyone: ‘On the ocean floor, in Myerlee’s shade, paraganna grow, Neertattenner click and clack among the rocks, and spiny Lowernume ripple and prowl.‘ Belinda Casey’s artwork is, in one word, gorgeous. The ebb and flow of the kelp is recreated on the pages, echoed by the shape and form of the text, while showing its inhabitants in careful detail.
We learn how people use the forest: ‘When the season is right and the tides are low, women tread lightly within the forest, stepping where their ancestors walked.’ The kelp itself is useful in all its forms, wet, dry, roasted, and even woven into containers. There is plenty to discover here, a book that blends a poetic text with stunning visuals, a combination gently immersing the reader into a different world.
The back matter includes general information about kelp and the kelp family, bull kelp, giant kelp, strapweed and more. a glossary and a brief biography for each of the three creators.
Highly recommended for school and home libraries.
Age 4+
