My Top 10 Favourite Indigenous Picture Books
The inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander books in our children’s libraries in the early childhood years is an easy and effective way of building children’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being and knowing. This is critical in providing opportunities for our children to engage in diverse perspectives and become respectful and inclusive individuals.
I am a firm believer that every book created by Indigenous authors and illustrators has a unique value in that they each bring a unique story to the table; one which is being told from a place that has been informed by Indigenous Australia’s unique history and connection to this country. In this blog, I have listed my top ten favourite (at the moment anyway, my favourites are always changing!) Indigenous picture books (in no particular order!):
Come Together - In this essential book, Isaiah, a Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, establishes a foundation of First Nations knowledge with 20 key topics. Alongside bright and contemporary illustrations by Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Isaiah connects us to each topic through his own personal story and culture, from the importance of Elders to the Dreaming.
Dingo’s Tree, by Gladys Milroy and Jill Milroy: This is a beautifully written story which speaks to the destructive impact that people have had and continue to have on the land. It is a long book, so best for older “little” ones, but it is so powerful and evocative in its words; telling the story of how Dingo, Wombat, Crow and their friends and how they struggle to survive when their country is being destroyed by mining. The story highlights Indigenous principles of country, community and custodianship. “‘It is what your country will become’ said Tree of Tears. ‘The mining is cutting too deep for the scars to heal. Once destroyed, mountains can’t grow again and give birth to the rivers that they send to the sea.”
The First Scientists - The First Scientists is the highly anticipated, illustrated science book from Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience. With kids aged 7 to 12 years in mind, this book will nourish readers’ love of science and develop their respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.
My Deadly Boots - Can the shoes on your feet really make you jump higher? Walk taller? Dream bigger?
A joyous, empowering story about finding confidence within yourself, boots or no boots, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo.
On the Way to Nana’s, by Frances and Lindsay Haji-Ali, and David Hardy: This is my all time favourite counting book for little ones. It has stunning illustrations which capture the essence of northern Australia, the landscape, the animals and the plants. "“I’m on the way to Nana’s house, what will I see? Two dancing brolgas and the long road ahead of me.”
Back On Country - A joyful story about the power of reconnecting to family, culture and Country. From Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, co-writer Ellie Laing, and Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.
'Where are we going again?' asks Lucy.
'Back on Country,' says Mum. 'Where we're going is where your nanna comes from, where we come from. Our Country is special to us. You'll see.'
It's Lucy and David's first time back on Country.
They meet their cousins and Elders, and see special places, learn local language words and hear stories as old as time.
Join them to feel the strength that comes from being back on Country.Looking After Country With Fire - For thousands of years, First Nations people have listened and responded to the land and made friends with fire, using this knowledge to encourage plants and seeds to flourish, and creating beautiful places for both animals and people to live.
Join Uncle Kuu as he takes us out on Country and explains cultural burning. Featuring stunning artwork by Sandra Steffensen, this is a powerful and timely story of understanding Australia's ecosystems through Indigenous fire management, and a respectful way forward for future generations to help manage our landscapes.
Clever Crow, By Nina Lawrence and Bronwyn Bancroft: One of the most beautiful features of this story is that it is a bilingual text written in English and Djambarrpuyŋu. Bronwyn Bancroft’s unique illustrations complement the story beautifully, and the text itself is a really engaging little tale which follows the exploits of a hungry and very clever crow. The book is really entertaining, and is sure to keep readers smiling as they read about how it is not an easy task stealing a turtle egg – even for a clever crow.
Cooee Mittigar, by Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson: This gorgeous hardcover book speaks of Darug storylines, of culture and lore and of the special connection between people and country. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to Aboriginal culture and customs and is particularly special if you are living on Darug country.
Our Home Our Heartbeat: Adapted from Briggs’ celebrated song 'The Children Came Back', Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a celebration of past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations, and at its heart honours the oldest continuous culture on earth.
I am constantly adding new and beautiful Indigenous stories to our range, there are so many to choose from and each and every one provides children with unique opportunities to learn about the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Adapted from Briggs’ celebrated song 'The Children Came Back', Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a celebration of past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations, and at its heart honours the oldest continuous culture on earth. Readers will recognise Briggs' distinctive voice and contagious energy within the pages of Our Home, Our Heartbeat, signifying a new and exciting chapter in children's Indigenous publishing.
ISBN: 9781760504168
Ages: 3 - 99 years old
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 24
Published: May 2020
The First Scientists is the highly anticipated, illustrated science book from Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience. With kids aged 7 to 12 years in mind, this book will nourish readers’ love of science and develop their respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.
Have you ever wondered what the stars can tell us? Did you know the seasons can be predicted just by looking at subtle changes in nature? Maybe you have wondered about the origins of glue or if forensic science is possible without a crime scene investigation. Australia's First peoples have the longest continuing culture on Earth and their innovation will amaze you as you leaf through the pages of this book, learning fascinating facts and discovering the answers to life's questions.
In consultation with communities, Corey tells us of many deadly feats – from bush medicine to bush trackers – that are today considered 'science', and introduces us to many amazing scientists, both past and present. The breadth of ‘sciences’ is incredible with six main chapters covering astronomy, engineering, forensic science, chemistry, land management and ecology. The first scientists passed on the lessons of the land, sea and sky to the future scientists of today through stories, song and dance, and many of these lessons are now shared in this book.
Vibrant illustrations by Blak Douglas bring the subjects to life, so you’ll never think about science as just people in lab coats ever again!
About the Author: Corey Tutt is a Kamilaroi man from Nowra on the New South Wales south coast. As a kid, he dreamed of becoming a zookeeper and in high school he developed a love of STEM subjects. But unlike the arts and sport, he found there was little encouragement for Aboriginal people to pursue careers in STEM. In 2018, while working as a research assistant for the University of Sydney, Corey founded DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide science books and telescopes to remote schools in Australia, and connects young Indigenous people with mentors to encourage their participation in STEM subjects.
ISBN: 9781741177527
Format: Hardback
Pages: 96
Dimensions: 25cm x 21cm
Published: 13 October 2021
Looking After Country with Fire is a picture book for 5- to 10-year-olds that demonstrates respect for Indigenous knowledge, following the success of Victor Steffensen's bestselling adult book Fire Country.
Mother Nature has a language. If we listen, and read the signs in the land, we can understand it.
For thousands of years, First Nations people have listened and responded to the land and made friends with fire, using this knowledge to encourage plants and seeds to flourish, and creating beautiful places for both animals and people to live.
Join Uncle Kuu as he takes us out on Country and explains cultural burning. Featuring stunning artwork by Sandra Steffensen, this is a powerful and timely story of understanding Australia's ecosystems through Indigenous fire management, and a respectful way forward for future generations to help manage our landscapes.
At the back of the book, you will also find lyrics to a song written by author Victor Steffensen with the same title, 'Looking After Country with Fire'.
ISBN: 9781741177824
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
Published: 19 January 2022
Spikes on the bottom boots,
my favourite colour boots,
making me too deadly.
Can the shoes on your feet really make you jump higher? Walk taller? Dream bigger?
A joyous, empowering story about finding confidence within yourself, boots or no boots, from the award-winning authors of Black Cockatoo.
'The text has a punchy sense of addictive rhythm ... [and] the story is full of heart' Books+Publishing
Format: Hardback
Pages: 24
ISBN: 9780734421456
Release date: 31 August 2022
Come Together is a heart-warming, debut picture book for children aged 5 and up from pop artist Isaiah Firebrace, inspired by his petition to the Australian Government calling for Aboriginal history to be taught in every classroom.
In this essential book, Isaiah, a Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, establishes a foundation of First Nations knowledge with 20 key topics. Alongside bright and contemporary illustrations by Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Isaiah connects us to each topic through his own personal story and culture, from the importance of Elders to the Dreaming.
At once accessible and engaging, Come Together will make every Aussie kid proud that we are home to the longest continuing culture on Earth!
ISBN: 9781741178166
Format: Hard back book
Pages: 40