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When the World was Soft: Yindjibarndi Creation Stories

Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation
illustrated by Alex Mankiewicz ; artwork by Judith Coppin [and ten others]
Reviewed by Helen Gearing
‘When Minkala (God) created the Marrga (Creation spirits), most followed his laws and those of the Ngurra (country/land), but some crossed over to the dark side and became known as the Nyayalurl…’
 A notable in this year’s CBCA Eve Pownall Award and shortlisted for the 2025 NSW Literary Awards, ‘When the World was Soft’ is a stunning series of short stories from Yindjibarndi cultural custodians – brought to life in a collaboration between illustrator Alex Mankiewicz and 11 artists from the Juluwarlu Art Group.
Each of the six creation stories are introduced with a painting by a Juluwarlu artist before continuing as a graphic novel adaptation with striking pen, ink, and digital colour panels by Mankiewicz – a powerful blend of ancient and modern artistic styles united by a heart for visual storytelling.
Full of suspense and striking imagery, the stories are part of a larger collection of 48 audio recordings from Aboriginal storytellers in the Pilbara region, passed down by many generations of Yindjibarndi Elders. With tight, lyrical prose, they contain vivid lessons of law, connection to country, relationship responsibilities, and the spiritual connections between all living things.
When the World Was Soft’ includes an introduction by Lorraine Coppin, CEO of the Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation, and exquisite photography of the Pilbara region – helping readers immerse themselves in the striking landscape.
Extensive backmatter also includes information about Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation, Alex Mankiewicz, the artists whose works feature in the stories and endpapers, and a combined glossary and index. A reading of the book and educational resources will soon be available on publisher Allen & Unwin’s website.
Readers six years and older will be engrossed in this exquisite collection which I thoroughly recommend for every home and school library.
Teaching Resources
Allen & Unwin 2024
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1942 Amsterdam Ave NY (212) 862-3680 chapterone@qodeinteractive.com

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