Old Days, Imanka nurna laakinha nitjaarta by Marjorie Nunga Williams

Author/illustrator Marjorie ‘Nunga’ Williams was born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) in 1953. Old Days, Imanka nurna laakinha nitjaarta is an engaging picture book telling short stories of Nunga’s early years in Central Australia. Written in both English and Western Arrarnta, this bilingual book shares warm memories of time spent on Country with family and the community during Nunga’s childhood.

Each double page spread shares a memory with a vividly illustrated and colourful picture complementing the text. The striking and detailed style of figurative landscape painting beautifully reflects the memory and is further enhanced by a simple question to encourage readers to look deeply into the illustration. Throughout the book are opportunities for readers to learn more about First Nations culture with mention of humpies, cutting roots to carve coolamons and other items, digging for witchetty grubs and the importance of waterholes for plants and animals.

The appealing cover and detailed endpapers offer yet another glimpse of Nunga’s skilful artistic ability. The addition of a Western Arrarnta Pronunciation guide is a welcome resource to encourage children to learn a new language skill. This book would be a wonderful addition to a home, school or public library.

Teacher Notes: Old_Days_Teacher_Notes.pdf

Themes: First Nations, Central Australia, Memories, Family, Community.

Kathryn Beilby