Learning Country
A First Nations Journey Around Australia's Traditional Place Names by Ryhia Dank Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Ryhia Dank is a Gudanji/Wakaja woman who grew up in a remote community in the Gulf of Carpentaria. She got to know her Country though the stories
Our Dance
By Jacinta Daniher, Taylor Hampton & Janelle Burger Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Taylor Hampton, a Ngiyampaa/Wiradjun man has a passion for educating young people about Aboriginal culture and has teamed up with Jacinta Daniher, an early childhood educator and Janelle Burger, a
Bush Bubs
By Helen Milroy Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “So many joeys, puggles and pups. Let’s look after our precious bush bubs.” Australian native animals range in size, characteristics and habitat, but when we talk about their babies, with their special names, they become particularly
Yanga Mother
By Cheryl Leavy & Christopher Bassi Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Yanga Mother is a story of motherly love, represented by the unbreakable bond between a kangaroo and her joey. With lifelike illustrations, richly coloured to showcase changes in daylight and seasons,
Wongutha Tales
Bawoo & Badudu Stories By May O'Brian Reviewed by Mia Macrossan May O'Brian was one of Australia's first indigenous school teachers and served for many years as community leader and on many committees. She was also a gifted storyteller. This little paperback contains
Giinagay Gaagal (Hello Ocean)
By Melissa Greenwood Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Melissa Greenwood was born on her Gumbaynggirr jagun (homelands) in Coffs Harbour and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung nations. On Melissa's matriarchal side, she is a Gumbaynggirr custodian with strong ties to Bundjalung and Dunghutti.
My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine)
By Melissa Greenwood Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Author and artist Melissa Greenwood is a Gumbaynggirr woman, from the mid-north coast of NSW. She is a custodian of the language and culture of the region and is passionate about weaving the intricacies
Bush Birds
Written & Illustrated by Helen Milroy Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “Little birds, big birds, all different kinds. How many bush birds can you find?” From an inquisitive little Blue Wren to an emu booming out his song, this beautiful picture book identifies Australia’s
Kunyi
By Kunyi June Anne McInerney Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Kunyi June Anne McInerney is a Yankunytjatjara woman, born on a station near Oodnadatta in South Australia in 1950. When she was four years old, she was taken with three of her
My Deadly Boots
By Carl Merrison, Hakea Hustler and Samantha Campbell Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray ‘Clothes maketh the man’ is an old-fashioned proverb, but a sentiment that plenty still embrace. It suggests that people judge you by your clothes, but also that wearing certain
Tangki Tjuta – Donkeys
Story and sculptures by] Tjanpi Desert Weavers ; Pitjantjatjara text by Tjunkaya Tapaya and Imuna Kenta ; based on stories by Akitiya Angkuna Tjitayi, Imuna Kenta and Anne Karatjari Ward ; English translation by Linda Rive Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Long, long
Celebrating NAIDOC Week with books for children
To celebrate NAIDOC Week Readings Bookshop has published an excellent list of First Nations books for Teens. We would also like to remind you of our list prepared by Dajo Finlayson called Aboriginal Peoples' Stories and our list Indigenous Picture Books. To
Main Abija – My Grandad
By Karen Rogers Reviewed by Sue Wright There are books that fictionalise events in history to make history accessible, and then there are books which play an important role in recovering history and connections that have been lost. Main Abija – My Grandad by
Miimi Marraal: Mother Earth
Written and illustrated by Melissa Greenwood Reviewed by Des. Crump Melissa Greenwood is a Gumbaynggirr artist who shares a warm story of the connections between mothers, babies and Mother Earth. The text is rich in imagery and cultural knowledge while the beautiful illustrations
Indigenous Picture Books
To celebrate NAIDOC WEEK 2021 here is a list of recent indigenous picture books that all children will enjoy. They range widely in subject matter, are enlightening about Australia's indigenous heritage and all are stunning in colour and design. Click
The Coloured Echidna
By Eunice Day Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Eunice Day is an Aboriginal Elder from Blackwater. The Coloured Echidna is one of the twelve new picture books for Queensland’s youngest readers published as part of First 5 Forever, an early literacy program initiated
Is This Your Egg?
Written by Ella Kris Illustrated by Emma Cracknell Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This title is one of the twelve new picture books for Queensland’s youngest readers published as part of First 5 Forever, an early literacy program initiated by the Queensland Government and
