MICHELLE: First Nations authors and stories

In the 30+ years Glen Waverley Youth Librarian Michelle has worked in libraries, she has seen the area of First Nations authors and stories flourish – and she’s happy about it!

“It used to be that the only stories about our First People and their culture were ‘myths and legends’, and they weren’t always suitable for very young children.” Michelle says.

“Now publishers are dedicated to producing a range of stories, beyond Dreamtime.”

Michelle is aware of the importance of building empathy in young people about the traditions and culture of our First People.

“I hope that by sharing the many stories now being published that it helps all children to look at the land in a deeper way,” she explains. “We can all benefit from appreciating the relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have with the land.”

“I love that parents at storytime are really curious, and that they can go on to answer their children’s questions as they grow.”

Michelle has selected a number of books to showcase and first shares Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour.

“This is a gentle story about welcoming baby to country, the Darug smoking ceremony, and how babies are welcomed to the word in the current day by still using traditional ceremonies,” she says.

“An insight like this generates curiosity, and helps to build an understanding of the different traditions of Aboriginal Australians from around Australia.”

Michelle particularly values the bilingual picture books that present stories in both English and the traditional language of the author.

Yirruwa Yirrilikenuma-langwa / When We Go Walkabout by Rhoda Lalara and Alfred Lalara is one such book, sharing the Anindilyakwa language.

“It’s an ancient language that is still spoken today by the Warnindilyakwa people,” Michelle notes, also recognising the value of keeping that language alive in the communities where it is still spoken.

“This book works so well for young children. It walks you through the habitat of Australian animals and naturally appeals to children. Children are naturally drawn to nature and feel a connection to it.”

A QR code inside the cover links to a recording so readers can listen to the story being read in the Anindilyakwa language. Readers can build their own confidence in reading the words themselves and sharing the language with children.

Ninni Yabini by Cheryl Kickett-Tucker and Tyrown Waigana is a more contemporary style of story and illustration, also presented as a bilingual story (English and the Noongar language).

The story is about a baby swan who wanders off from the nest that it’s mother and father are rebuilding after a storm, and has a more subtle inclusion of Aboriginal Australian culture and beliefs.

Michelle describes how the story bridges traditional and modern living for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as all others, and why that is relevant to children across Australia.

“Children with First Nations ancestry, or children who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, are not all living in the traditional ways, or completely modern ways. For many, they are living a modern life but staying connected to their traditional culture in ways that are different for every family, so these bridging stories can be easier to connect with.”

Where’s My Baby by Gregg Dreise is a board book for babies with a simple story and artwork with a First Nations feel. The story introduces Gamilaraay words, combined with the benefits of contemporary rhyming. It is colourful yet stays true to the colour palettes of traditional artists.

“Parents do come asking for books throughout the year that share the stories or reflect the culture of our First People,” Michelle says. “Educators are also interested, and they want books for all ages which means babies as well as toddlers and pre-schoolers.”

“Where’s My Baby has all the appeal of any good book for babies, and is really successful in providing an early introduction to First Nations languages and art.”

“Also when parents and educators want recommendations, I regularly put forward books by Sally Morgan and Bronwyn Bancroft,” Michelle says. “Sally Morgan is a Palytu woman, and Bronwyn Bancroft is from the Djanbun clan. They are both prolific writers.”

Titles include The River by Sally Morgan (and Johnny Warrkatja), An A-Z Story of Australian Animals by Sally Morgan, and Colours of Australia by Bronwyn Bancroft.

Brownyn Bancroft illustrates as well as writes, and mixes traditional and contemporary styles and colours. The majority of books are for younger children and go beyond only featuring appealing animals, birds and bugs, but also teaching children to respect them, and the land.

Michelle clearly feels strongly about the value of these books and goes on to say that they invite readers to see the world through the eyes of Aboriginal Australians.

“Educators are increasingly interested in sharing picture books like these with their early years groups,” Michelle shares. “The books are generally well borrowed which suggests also a broad interest in our community.”

“There is demand all year around, whereas in the past there was mainly interest only around NAIDOC Week,” Michelle recalls.

“I hope that by families reading these stories together that they are learning about the culture and way of life of our First People, but the other side of it is that these stories are becoming integrated with what people read.”

“They no longer sit apart for special occasions, they are widely enjoyed all year around. Families are reading them for pleasure, but also learning from them.”

Magabala are a publishing house dedicated to publishing the works of First Nations authors, but other publishers such as Allen & Unwin and Fremantle Press are also increasingly publishing similar works.

“I hope these kinds of stories give children a greater understanding of the traditional culture of our First People,” Michelle says, “and that it builds empathy, understanding, and leads to reconciliation in the future.”

You can search the catalogue for Michelle’s recommendations, or speak to a Youth Librarian at any branch to find more titles that suit your child’s or family’s journey.

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