Deep within the heart of Australia’s rich cultural landscape lies a treasure trove of stories that have stood the test of time for over 65,000 years.
These are the stories of our First Nations people, intricately woven into the fabric of the land and passed down through hundreds of generations. Today, these tales have been brought to life on the vibrant pages of picture books by our nation’s talented Indigenous authors and artists.
From the Dreamtime narratives that birthed the world to the retelling of everyday life in contemporary times, these picture books open our hearts and minds to the beauty, wisdom, and resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples
By Isaiah Firebrace, Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Keisha Leon
Come Together is a touching children’s picture book by pop artist Isaiah Firebrace. Tailored for younger audiences, Firebrance translates pivotal First Nations values into easily digestible nuggets of wisdom for Australian children.
Readers follow the journey of Isaiah, belonging to the Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara heritage, as he details 20 pivotal subjects from First Nations culture. Accompanied by illustrations from Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, the narrative covers the “cultural essentials”, from the significance of revered Elders to the concept of “the Dreaming”.
Tamarra
By Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal, Leah Leaman, Cassandra Algy, Felicity Meakins
Created as a collaboration between over 30 First Nations and non-Indigenous contributors, the story and artworks of Tamarra explore how termites and their mounds connect different parts of Country, from tiny Gurindji babies and their loving grandmothers to spiky spinifex plants growing in the hot sun.
Written in traditional Gurindji, Gurindji Kriol and English (with a QR code to an audio version spoken in language), Tamarra is an original story with beautiful artwork that takes readers on an educational and cultural journey through Gurindji Country.
Ceremony: Welcome to Our Country
By Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing, David Hardy
Joyful and fun, Ceremony: Welcome to Our Country invites readers to celebrate the long-standing traditions of family, community, caring for country and dance from the world’s oldest continuous culture.
Walking in Gagudju Country
By Diane Lucas, Ben Tyler
Authors Diane Lucas, Ben Tyler and Emma Long share their knowledge and love for caring for country in this celebration of Australia’s most ancient and beautiful ecosystems.
As they wander through monsoon forests, Lucas and Tyler introduce readers to the stories of local flora and fauna in Bininj Culture and teach Kundjeyhmi words – Kundjeyhmi being one of several language groups of the Bininj people.
The Heartbeat of the Land
By Cathy Freeman, Coral Vass, Tannya Harricks
The story, narrated by a young Cathy Freeman, tells the tale of a child who loves to run across her land chasing the winger (the sun) high into the sky and back again at night.
The story features many words from the Kuku Yalanji language – the language of Cathy’s mother and grandmother on the north Queensland coast. The story, told in large print across images, aims to educate readers on the impact of climate change.
Open Your Heart to Country
Written in English and Dharug, Open Your Heart to Country is a tale rediscovering one’s connection to the land. With an emphasis on “returning to one’s roots” and “embracing the language of the land,” this illustrated book encourages readers to reflect on the significance of a “sense of place”, a sentiment that resonates strongly within First Nations communities.
Somebody’s Land
By Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing, David Hardy
Somebody’s Land encourages readers to recognise the pain faced by previous First Nations generations and unite as a singular community.
Penned by Australian of the Year Adam Goodes and co-writer Ellie Laing, along with artwork from David Hardy, this tale turns back the clock to put children and their families within Australia’s long and troubling history.
Albert Namatjira
Vincent Namatjira tells the life story of one of Australia’s most iconic artists, his great-grandfather Albert Namatjira.
Along the journey, Vincent paints a picture of the bygone era where his grandfather lived and worked, capturing his triumphs and tragedy against a backdrop of social change and historical injustices.
G is for Gugunyal: A Dhurga alphabet book
By Leanne Brook
G is for Gugunyal: A Dhurga alphabet book helps new speakers pronounce the 24 sounds used in the Dhurga language.
The book’s illustrations are designed to help readers learn the 24 Dhurga sounds, while also interacting with our nation’s treasured land and marine wildlife.
One of four traditional languages of the south coast of New South Wales, Dhurga is spoken by Yuin (Yuwinj) people between Nowra and Narooma and as far inland as Braidwood and Araluen.
A QR code also lets readers hear the book’s Dhurga sounds and words spoken by a Yuin Elder.
Ninni Yabini
By Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, Tyrown Waigana
Written in Noongar and English, Ninni Yabini is a celebration of family and belonging.
The tale finds a Mother and Father swan busy rebuilding their nest after a storm when their baby, Ninni Yabini, wanders off. Luckily, the evening star, his namesake, comes out to guide him home.
Ninni Yabini explores themes of family, nature and belonging while also acting as an excellent resource for those seeking an introduction to the Noongar language and culture.
