Dunbi the Owl


Book Description

This book is based on a story told by Daisy Utemorrah of the Worora people to Aboriginal children living in Derby, Western Australia. The illustrations are adapted from their paintings of her story. She said, "I used to live with my parents in a humpy house. My Grandmother, my aunties and even my Grandpa told me stories from the Dreamtime. I kept the stories till I was old enough to tell children. We want to share our stories with all children so they learn what Aborigines used to do."




The Kangaroo and the Porpoise


Book Description

This story was told by Agnes Lippo from the Aboriginal community of Belyuen in the Northern Territory, where people from the Larrakia and Waigite language groups live. The illustrations in this book are adapted from paintings of the story done by the children at Belyuen School. Bill Turner, Head Teacher at Belyuen School in 1987, said "'The Kangaroo and the Porpoise' is one of the many stories from the very small Aboriginal community of Belyuen. We hope publishing these stories will enable us to buy materials for the school. We want to continue to document the culture of the people at Belyuen."




The Bat and the Crocodile


Book Description

This story comes from the Aboriginal people at Warmun (Turkey Creek) in Western Australia. It was told in the Kija language by Jacko Dolumyu and then in English by Hector Jandany. The illustrations are adapted from paintings of the story done by the children living at Warmun. Eileen Bray, of the Kija Language Group at Warmun, said, "When we talk about the Dreamtime, we think about the beginning. It was that sacred time when the land, water, trees, animals, sacred sites and people came to be. Our ancestors have passed on the Dreamtime to us through our culture - law, language, song and dance. The Dreamtime is that special thing in the hearts of all Aboriginal people."




How the Birds Got Their Colours


Book Description

This book is based on a story told by Mary Albert, of the Bardi people, to Aboriginal children living in Broome, Western Australia. The illustrations are adapted from their paintings of the story. Mary Albert said, 'Would you like to hear a story from long ago? My mother used to tell me lots of stories, but this story I loved the best, because I loved the birds.'




Walking With the Seasons in Kakadu


Book Description

'One wet season day, during my first year living in Kakadu, I was sheltering in a cave with some friends. An old man was telling stories of his youth and country. I remember saying to him, I'd like to walk around the bush for a full year and see and feel the changes each season brings. He replied, Well, go do it!' Join Diane Lucas and Ken Searle as they walk through the bush of northern Australia. Follow the seasonal calendar of the Gundjeihmi-speaking people of Kakadu. Feel the changes each season brings to the plants, animals and birds of this rich and inspiring land. 'This is a story that has got to be told to children so they know country - no good just sitting in the classroom all day. You've got to get outside and discover the bush, feel the changes, see what's there.' from a group of Gundjeihmi-speaking people of the Murrumburr clan




Notes on Some Queensland Languages


Book Description




My Country


Book Description

Best-selling author and internationally renowned painter Sally Morgan teams up with Ezekiel Kwaymullina for a picture book celebrating country.




How the Kangaroos Got Their Tails


Book Description

This book is based on a story told by George Mung Mung Lirrmiyarri, of the Kija people, to Aboriginal people living in Warmun (Turkey Creek), Western Australia. The illustrations are adapted from their original paintings of the story. Hector Jandany and George Dingmarie of the Kija Language Group said, 'We have to keep this language which we got from our old people who have passed away. We don't want to lose it. The younger generation has to carry on the language that they learn from us.'




A is for Aunty


Book Description

This book was inspired by aboriginal artist Elaine Russell's childhood memories of her family and their life on the mission at Murrin Bridge. Each letter of the alphabet takes the reader on a different journey through the daily events of Elaine's childhood - being chased by emus, billycart racing, looking after her pet possum, picking quandongs.




Owl Bat Bat Owl


Book Description

“A warm and clever tale celebrating tolerance and friendship.” —School Library Journal A mother owl and her three little owlets live happily on their branch. That is, until the bat family moves in. The newfound neighbors (owls up top, bats hanging below) can’t help but feel a little wary of one another. But babies are curious little creatures, and that curiosity, along with a wild, stormy night, might just bring these two families together. With subtly and hilariously shifting facial expressions and gestures, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick brings her accessible graphic style to a warm and ingenious wordless tale that is sure to bring smiles to readers of all ages.