Yildaan: Our dreaming track by Uncle Bud Marshall with Yandaarra
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761181382. (Age:7+) Highly recommended.
Yildaan: Our dreaming track is a breathtaking and deeply meaningful picture book created by Uncle Bud Marshall, a respected Gumbaynggirr Elder, in collaboration with Yandaarra. With stunning artwork and photographs by Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady, the book beautifully captures the spirit and stories of Gumbaynggirr Country, particularly around Nambucca Heads.
More than just a book, Yildaan: Our dreaming track is a cultural offering - a path for readers to walk alongside the Gumbaynggirr people and their Dreaming. Uncle Bud gently invites readers to listen carefully to Country, to feel the presence of ancestors and to understand that the land is not just something to use, but something to honour and live in harmony with.
One of the heart-warming stories shared is about Uncle Benjie and Aunty Bryne and their connection to buluunggal - a way of being that focuses on listening, observing and working with nature in a respectful, sustainable way. Their story, like much of the book, shows how traditional knowledge offers valuable insights into how we can live well and care for the Earth.
The book weaves together story, culture and place, encouraging readers of all ages to value Indigenous knowledge and the importance of community, cooperation and care for the environment. The combination of language, storytelling, art and photography makes Yildaan Our Dreaming Track not only informative but also inspiring.
Perfect for classrooms, libraries and families, Yildaan: Our dreaming track is an invitation to slow down, listen and learn from the wisdom of the land and its people. It’s a powerful celebration of Gumbaynggirr culture and a gentle call to walk together with respect and understanding.
Bruce Pascoe’s revelatory book Dark emu, black seeds has now been made into a simplified illustrated version for younger readers – allowing a younger audience to also learn of his research into the agricultural practices of Australian Aboriginal people. Pascoe draws on historical records and artefacts to piece together a picture of Aboriginal settlement before the arrival of Europeans, and contrary to the long held view of the ‘hunter-gatherer’ existence that suited the colonialists’ idea of an ‘empty’ land, he reveals the existence of Aboriginal farming and land care, permanent settlements with houses and storage buildings, and complex aquaculture management systems.
Teachers will welcome this book as an excellent example to show students learning how to research primary sources for their projects. Pascoe includes extracts from many original nineteenth century colonial diaries and reports, and he reevaluates the artwork of colonial artists who showed cultivated fields in their paintings, once dismissed as an English romanticising of the Australian landscape. He urges the putting aside of preconceptions and interpreting with a new eye the original materials. “It is a different way of looking”. Thus the so-called ‘humpy’ was actually a substantial construction that could accommodate many families, the ‘lazy’ fisherman had actually engineered an ingenious fishing machine, and fire was not a threat but a useful tool for tilling and cultivating pastures. Even the Milky Way in the night sky can be viewed anew, to see the darkness between the stars, and recognise the dark emu of Aboriginal Dreaming.
Pascoe has collected the evidence to present the case that the Aboriginal way of life actually met all the criteria of an established agricultural society that lived in harmony with their environment. This is not what the colonialists wanted to see, in their quest to occupy new land. And it is evidence that was destroyed as they took possession, and introduced their livestock.
This is an important book in the study of Australian history – it provides a new perspective to be read and discussed. It needs to be on every teacher’s reading list and in every school library. This latest edition with a beautiful new cover, has a contents page, bibliography and index for those who would like to explore further. So whilst it is presented in picture book format, it is recommended for a wide age range as an introduction to a history that has been too easily covered up.
Themes Aboriginal culture, Aboriginal agriculture, Aboriginal aquaculture, Australian history.
Liz Pichon, the brilliant mind behind the beloved Tom Gates series, delivers a fresh and vibrant first graphic novel with Meet the Mubbles. This lively and engaging story is packed with colorful illustrations, a fun-filled storyline, and an uplifting message about positivity, teamwork, and harmony. Young readers are in for a delightful adventure as they step into the world of the Mubbles, an endearing community that thrives on joy and cooperation.
The Mubbles live on the Isle of Smile, a place bursting with color, happiness, and harmony. Life here runs smoothly because everyone plays a role in keeping the island balanced. A particularly charming detail is how plants flourish when the Mubbles sing special songs to them, emphasizing the novel’s whimsical and magical tone. However, their idyllic existence is suddenly challenged when something mysterious lands behind the “Uncertain Curtain.” Faced with an unexpected distraction, the Mubbles must decide whether to stay focused on their responsibilities or succumb to curiosity and temptation. Will they manage to maintain the harmony of their beloved home, or will their world be thrown into chaos?
Pichon’s signature comic-style layout makes Meet the Mubbles an absolute visual treat. The pages are filled with bright, expressive artwork that perfectly complements the cheerful and playful nature of the story. The dynamic illustrations enhance the humor and charm, making this book especially appealing to young readers. The mix of text and imagery creates an immersive reading experience that feels more like an animated adventure than a traditional book.
At its core, Meet the Mubbles carries an important message about the value of teamwork, responsibility, and staying positive even in uncertain times. The book encourages children to embrace joy, work together, and appreciate the world around them. With its fun-loving characters, engaging storyline, and stunning visuals, this graphic novel is sure to be a hit with young readers who enjoy energetic and lighthearted storytelling.
Overall, Meet the Mubbles is a fantastic debut graphic novel from Liz Pichon. It’s an uplifting, entertaining read that perfectly captures the magic of childhood imagination, making it a must-have for fans of humorous and visually captivating stories.
Themes Fantasy, Fun, Problem Solving.
Michelle O'Connell
Brave Kahu & the Porangi magpie by Shelley Burne-Field
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781991006608. (Age:9+) Recommended.
For her first children's fiction book, Shelley Burne-Field from Te Matau-a-Maui (Hawke's Bay) in New Zealand, wanted to write an adventure story in the vein of the classic Watership Down, that included love, hope, danger, birth and death. She says, "Kids can handle that sort of information. It is part of their lives and so we should talk about it. The best authors who write the best books don't dumb down their readers or take them for idiots." Her idea for this story came from watching a hawk get attacked by a small group of magpies and this is essentially the crux of the story - a flock of magpies have killed Poto's mother and are now threatening the harmony of the valley where her hawke family live. Adding to the drama is the prophecy of an impending earthquake and resulting flood that is going to hit the valley in just three days.
The bird's eye view of the world, combined with Burne-Field's poetic language and rich description make this an absolute joy to read. Tangible and relatable sibling relationships and feelings make the characters come to life to the point that you almost forget you are taking on the viewpoint of a bird rather than a human (if it wasn't for the obvious bird behaviours!). If you don't come away from this book watching birds and trying to work out their internal monologue and their backstory it would be surprising, as the author paints such rich and complex lives for these characters. There are no perfect prototypes here - everyone is flawed and troubled to some degree. There is also a lot of drama, both within the family group as well as violent fighting between the birds and other animals.
The use of Te Reo Maori language is fantastic but it is quite heavily used and it's often not possible to pick up the meaning of the word from the context clues alone. Reliance on flipping back to the Glossary is a reality of reading this, so it becomes quite a complex read, hence the slightly older age recommendation. Even the word 'autism' is given in Maori, used in reference to Poto's brother Ari.
Overall, this is a beautifully written story full of heavy drama. While not one for the lover of light-hearted tales, this will be enthralling for those who can handle a more serious read and who can cope with the constant language switch up. It also makes a good read aloud, but due to the constant need for translation probably more suited to a one or one than a class novel. Teacher's notes and activity notes are available from the publisher.
Themes Birds, Adventure, Family.
Nicole Nelson
Stand proud by Nicho Hynes, Marlee Silva. Illus. by Blak Douglas
This powerful story about Rugby League star Nicho Hynes shares an important message about identity and feeling comfortable in oneself. Nicho grew up knowing he had an Aboriginal mother who was one of the Stolen Generation but Nicho struggled with his own understanding of what this meant. He was continually belittled by other non-Aboriginal people as he did not have the same colouring. Yet when he sees Bruce representing his culture on Harmony Day, he is drawn to find out more and take part in traditional dancing. He feels a connection.
Over time Nicho learns more about his family and his past and finds acceptance with his people and cultural identity. Nicho learns he is a Wiradjuri man with a strong community who embrace him with arms wide open. He is a ‘loud, proud blackfella’ and continues to fulfil this saying that his mother instilled in him.
The striking illustrations in bold, vibrant colour add to the engagement of the story and enrich the narrative. For young children who are struggling with cultural and own self-acceptance this is an important book to share and discuss.
Themes First Nations people, Identity, Family, Rugby League, Culture, Stolen Generation, Connection.
Kathryn Beilby
Pow Wow Pig: Forest secrets by Anh Do
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761069833. (Age:7+) Highly Recommended.
Forest Secrets, the sixth book in the Pow Pow Pig series by Anh Do and illustrated by Peter Cheong, brings another action-packed adventure to its fans. Pow Pow Pig and his Z Team - comprised of Kung Fu Duck, Cha Cha Chicken and Barry the Goat - are still on their mission to reach the year 2030 and save the world. However, their journey takes another unexpected turn, landing them in the middle of a peculiar conflict in Ancient Japan.
Caught in a chaotic fruit fight between two rival groups, the foxes and the monkeys, the once-peaceful forest is now divided. As the Z Team investigates the cause of the conflict, they uncover that someone has been stealing jewellery, leaving both the monkeys and the foxes without money to survive. This theft has fuelled the animosity between the two groups, each blaming the other for their misfortunes.
Determined to restore peace and harmony, Pow Pow Pig and his friends take on the task of finding the thief. The challenge, however, is not just locating the robber but also getting the foxes and monkeys to work together. The forest dwellers have long kept to themselves and bridging the gap between these divided communities proves to be a daunting task.
Discovering the criminal, they all head deep into the treacherous forest, and the Z team try to teach the value of teamwork and friendship. Can the monkey and fox groups realise that unity is the best strategy, or will they continue to live separate lives with further unrest?
Anh Do's engaging and entertaining storytelling, combined with Peter Cheong's lively illustrations, makes Forest Secrets a delightful read for audiences of all ages. The book blends humour, adventure and valuable life lessons, making it an excellent addition to the Pow Pow Pig series. A fun and easy read, that will engage even those reluctant readers.
Unity, cooperation and the true power of friendship; the Z team never disappoint!
Themes Acceptance, Kindness, Bravery, Humour, Adventure, Problem solving, Friendship.
Michelle O'Connell
Everyone starts small by Liz Garton Scanlon. Illus. by Dominique Ramsey
Sun grows beams and Grass grows blades and Cloud cannot contain herself.
Spring rains change Water from a tumbling creek to a roaring river and bring Tree nutrients it needs to stretch toward the sky. As Sun's rays intensify, the sprouts and fruits and insects of the forest grow and bloom and develop, all working together in harmony. Even Fire, whose work causes Tree to ache from the inside, brings opportunity for the next generation of flora and fauna. This poetic tribute to our planet's resilience, accompanied by its striking illustrations is a resonant story of life, death, and regeneration and demonstrates to young readers the interdependence of the elements of Nature and how without one, or too much of one, our planet cannot survive, let alone thrive.
It echoes the old Aesop fable of The North Wind and the Sun although the theme of this is not competition but the symbiosis of the elements, despite Tree warning that 'it is not a race'. As well as building a greater awareness of the world around them, it introduces young readers to the concept of life cycles and possibly sparking investigations of the connections between creatures and their habitats and what they can do to help such as making a bee motel.
For those more mature readers, the personification could be a metaphor for their own lives, a reassurance that despite all they might experience as they grow and mature into independence, like Tree, they have the resilience and wherewithal to cope with whatever they encounter no matter how bleak the immediate future might seem. Despite the devastation of Fire and the harshness of Winter, following the devastation, the Earth renews itself, and new lives arise again, rife with fabulous potential - just as they can.
The prologue to The changing room describes an Australian girl intent on visiting the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the place where Christ will return. On arrival she flings open the taxi door, discards all her belongings, and then gradually discards items of clothing as she ascends the slopes of the Mount, muttering something about wanting to give birth to the second Messiah. A guide, familiar with Jerusalem Syndrome, advises taking her to the Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center.
How Rachel ends up in this situation is revealed gradually in Cranston’s novel, beginning with her taking on a home help position in an elderly English household in London. Dismissed from there as too imaginative and not really suitable, a chance meeting with another adventurous Australian girl, leads to the two of them heading to Egypt and then to a kibbutz in Israel.
The ‘changing room’ is a reference to a childhood cartoon about Mr Benn stepping into different roles in a magical costume shop. It seems that Rachel, unsure of what she really wants, is stepping into different worlds, and trying out different experiences. The more we read, the more we become aware of her sense of loss, and of drifting along seeking some kind of reassurance. She feels a compulsion to ‘makes things better’, perhaps the aftermath of the loss of her father, but also a sense of wanting to overcome differences between people and create peace. Thus she tries to bring the local Bedouins to work alongside the kibbutzniks. But it is a world she doesn’t really understand, and she is out of her depth.
Cranston skilfully creates that uncertain world of the mind, blurring between perception, dream, confusion and delusion. Scenes where people are dancing, music is playing, snatches of conversation are overheard, lights and shadows interweave, all create an environment that many a young person will have experienced at some time, as they seek to define who they are and explore different experiences. Rachel’s search for for ‘balance, harmony, justice and truth’ will resonate with many a reader.
In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen is the first in the Geomancer trilogy by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.Set in a timeless, mythical, almost recognisable world, this story takes the reader on a breathtaking adventure and leaves them desperately waiting for the next book in the series.
The book opens in Glaw Wood where Ysolda and her sister Hari live surrounded by trees and a peaceful village.Hari can hear the trees and communicate with them which causes the Wolf Queen’s warriors to take her as they are collecting gifted ones from across the land.Ysolda travels to the Wolf Queen’s palace to bargain for Hari’s life. And so, begins an epic adventure across the land with the Wolf Queen, who is a complex and fascinating character, portrayed as a villain but written as far more complicated than first thought; she is terrifying in her unfeeling nature but at the same time unpredictable and at times likeable.Ysolda must use her wits and knowledge of people and the land to stay alive and search for earth-magic.Ysolda is a complex character who yearns to be gifted like her sister, but in many ways has a far greater gift in her understanding and respect for nature and living in harmony with it.She is joined on her journey by a sea hawk, Nara, who is bonded to her but free to fly.
This story takes the reader along on a quest that is at times thrilling, dangerous and exciting.The book perfectly combines danger and tension with lyrical descriptions of both the people and the places that they are travelling through.
I was captivated by this story and found that I wasn’t ready for the book to end.I am eagerly anticipating the next book especially Ysolda’s quest to save her sister and the world, but I am also interested to discover the motives for the Wolf Queen and her single-minded obsession with being the most powerful at the expense of all else.
This book is brilliant, I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, adventure or books that will draw you through complex characters.A great read alone as the reader will need time to sit at times with the characters and situations and take time out.It could work as a class novel as there is a lot to unpack but I think many readers would prefer to read at their own pace to get the most out of it.
Well-known Kamilaroi and Euahlayi author and illustrator Gregg Dreise has brought together his proud knowledge of his own traditional art and culture in this beautiful picture book Circles of Life. In this gentle book readers are taken on a journey alongside two young girls and shown how to create a traditional painting of Gabayindah Guroos or Thank You Circles that are a celebration of the different elements of our world. Using ochre from Mother Earth, sticks and stones, readers are encouraged to create their own Thank You Circle.
The painting begins with a small circle in the centre of the page representing Father Sky. This is followed by circles placed around Father Sky which represent Mother Earth and what she brings. More circles follow representing water and trees, followed by even more dots representing animals. Ancestors who have cared for Country surround the circular formation, followed by Elders and then children. The last layer is perhaps the most poignant, a wish for the children of the future - that they have a sustainable Country to connect with. After the completion of each layer thanks is given for what nature has provided.
Written in careful and reflective verse, surrounded by striking illustrations in bright and bold colours, this book is wonderful introduction to an aspect of traditional art and story. The dramatic endpapers show a handprint amidst many Thank You Circles.
Circles of Life deserves to be read slowly, savouring the words while creating a thoughtful Thank You Circle. This book would be an excellent resource for Harmony Day as it sends a message of being in harmony with the land by connecting to Country, and listening to Songlines through the words of Ancestors and Elders.
Themes First Nations People, Art, Drawing, Country, Connection, Culture, Respect.
Kathryn Beilby
Tayta’s Secret Ingredient by Amal Abou-Eid. Illus. by Cara King
For the Harmony Day celebration at school this year, Billy is excited to bring one of his Tayta’s (grandmother) special treats. Tayta is happy to make kaak, a Lebanese biscuit with a very special ingredient. Billy watches as Tayta takes all sorts of strange ingredients from her pantry and wonders which one is the special one. He asks Tayta why she does not use a recipe is and this is her response:
My fingers know what the food should feel like. My eyes know what the food for should look like. My nose knows what it should smell like.
While Tayta is preparing the dough, Billy is searching high and low for the secret ingredient but he cannot find it. He helps roll out the dough and makes biscuits shaped firstly like little logs and then joined together to make rings. Tayta finally tells Billy what her secret ingredient is and he realises it is very special. When Billy is asked for the recipe at school he knows that he cannot share it as it will always be missing the secret ingredient.
This warm and engaging story is perfect for Harmony Day as it presents a delightful multicultural experience of both school and home. The watercolour illustrations gently reflect the text and children who have experienced baking with a grandparent will particularly find the images of Billy and Tayta in the kitchen very appealing. A wonderful story to read aloud on Harmony Day.
Another novella starring Learned Penric and his Temple demon Desdemona will thrill fans of the series. When Otta, a six-year-old girl, becomes possessed by a brand-new demon Penric is called to the village that has taken her in. Unable to control the fire that she can call she has been cast into a well to keep everyone safe, and Penric must rescue her. His duty to his god means that he should cast out the demon, but Desdemona rejects this and the pair are cast into conflict. As usual, the pair’s quest is to help whenever they are called upon, but this time their difference in opinion is very painful. How will they resolve this problem and bring harmony back?
I found the background to Demon daughter very appealing. Scenes of domesticity are described and Penric’s love for his wife Nikys and daughter are very evident. The story is often told from the point of view of Otta who describes her tribulations in a matter-of-fact way, and Bujold manages to get inside the mind of a six-year-old with skill and empathy. Nikys plays a significant role in the novella; she is helpful, loving and clear sighted about what could happen to Otta and prepared for the upheaval that another child in the family could bring.
Although Demon daughter is short, it is multilayered and has a very satisfying conclusion. It is a powerful and memorable story and left me wishing I had another new book in this series to read immediately.
London based, Scottish, bestselling, award-winning children's writer, Elle McNicholl has in Like a charm, a third novel that follows in the path of A kind of spark in its theme and atmospherics. Her books have been aptly described as "bewitching" and Like a charm certainly fits that bill.
Travelling with the first person perspective of 12-year-old Ramya, the reader is immersed in a magical world that is powerfully set in Edinburgh, both in the dark corners and bookshops of the city, underground and across the River Forth to the isle of Inchkeith. A magical atmosphere of foreboding - of dark, swirling mists, statues that come to life and dangerous supernatural beings is conjured. Through this moody place stumbles Ramya, a lonely, neglected girl with dyspraxia. She slowly learns that she can see through glamour (a magical shield that supernatural beings use to hide themselves). This very special power grows as her courage is tested and as she negotiates challenges in both the human and supernatural world.
In Like a charm, the magical world exists in parallel to the human world and both worlds are subject to increasing division and upset. In a way, the book reads as a political allegorical story describing what goes wrong when humans don't work together in harmony. When there is division, evil escapes through the cracks. Ramya is a brave and feisty character. The reader can't help but cheer her on through all the danger and suspense.
McNicoll is autistic herself and a great champion of the representation of neurodivergence in literature. It is of no surprise that she has teamed with Knights Of, a multi award-winning inclusive publisher that focuses on "bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront of commercial children's publishing."
Like a charm is a touching, inspiring and cerebral book. It is for advanced readers who can understand multi-layered, complex and unpredictable storylines featuring a cast of characters. It is also for readers who might catch a glimpse of themselves in a character like Ramya and who need to learn that everybody is special and everyone can find a friend. It's for those who need to learn something about themselves - that if you do a good thing for the right reason, you can be light and free and beloved and stylish and glamorous!
Alice’s Shoe written by Julie Thorndyke tells the story of Alice Mary Betteridge (14 February 1901 – 1 September 1966) who was an Australian woman known as the first deafblind child to be educated in this country. Born in Sawyer’s Gully, NSW, Alice became deafblind at the age of two after a childhood illness.
The opening pages of this beautifully illustrated picture book with expressive and lyrical language, showcase the sounds and colours of the farm and surrounding forests experienced by a very young Alice: the green world of cedar forests, the golden world at sunrise, the crimson world at sunset, the noisy brown world of her brothers. One night though Alice falls ill with a fever. When she wakes everything is different for Alice. Sounds are muffled and images are dull. Alice is diagnosed in Sydney as deafblind and her mother takes her to the Deaf and Blind School at Darlinghurst where she is told to return when Alice is older. Back at home, Alice learns to rely on her sense of touch. In particular she loves the feel of textures beneath her feet and struggles to keep on her shoes.
At the age of seven, Alice returns to Sydney to begin at the Darlinghurst School. She is far away from what she knows and in particular cannot adjust to wearing shoes. Miss Reid, her teacher, makes four signs on Alice’s hand over and over again which Alice soon realises spells shoe. This is the first word Alice learns to finger sign and her learning begins. Alice masters the deafblind alphabet and then to read and write in Braille.
The striking illustrations by Jennifer Harrison in soft muted hues are full of detail and in perfect harmony with the era of the story. The sepia toned endpapers showcase important aspects of the Alice’s life journey. The author has thoughtfully included the Deafblind Alphabet and UEB uncontracted (grade1) Braille symbols. This gentle story is a joy to read and one that may encourage further research on Alice Mary Betteridge and deafblindness.
In Australia we are unfortunately accustomed to the devasting effects of fire especially during the season of summer. However, what if fires were carefully planned and only burnt those areas needing to be controlled? Alight by scientist, Dr Sam Lloyd, thoughtfully answers this question and introduces children to the positive effects that a healthy fire can have on the natural environment.
The appealing cover with its pale tones, and the gorgeous endpapers depicting the plants and animals discussed in the story, provide a clue to where the fire will burn and what might be impacted. Each of the animal and plant characters mentioned are introduced in the beginning and the author has shared brief and interesting facts.
The story begins with Old Eucalypt becoming aware of the smoke but not worrying as people were working together and listening to the bush. The animals are warned to find shelter and the plants are reminded that it is time for new growth. Each of the plants and animals survive the fire in their own way and the rain brings newness to the landscape.
This is a fire that burns gently and in harmony with the bush ecosystems. The stunning illustrations by Samantha Metcalfe show incredible detail and perfectly complement the text. In the final pages there is further important information about ‘Fire in the Australian Bush’ as well as a glossary to explain the highlighted words used in the text. A wonderful book to share with both children and adults.
