Hachette Australia
Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books
Apr 30, 2025 | 9780734423429 | RRP $24.99
As one might expect from this pair of collaborators this is cross-cultural learning made fun and exciting. Taylor Hampton, a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man and Jacinta Daniher, an early childhood educator created Birrang Cultural Connections, to which I have previously made reference when I reviewed Our Mob.
Drawing inspiration not only from their own backgrounds but their two jarjums, Arlo and Ella, this talented pair began to expand their skills and knowledge into picture books that share the experiences of young First Nations kiddos growing up in contemporary Australia.
One of my favourite activities with kiddos whether Smalls or older, is to make sure we have some physicality in brain breaks and, whenever possible, as a proper segment in the day. And one of my long-time favourites for this has been Animal Yoga [look it up – plenty of freebies as well as commercial resources online] but with this book, you can insert any of the movements at any point for either a quick couple of minutes break or a longer session. At the same time, you will be empowering your students to be more aware as well as more culturally sensitive to our First Nations peoples [wondering if we can share this with some pollies?].
The rhythmic rhyming text is interspersed with some great descriptive and onomatopoeic language which will also come in very handy, and the gloriously vibrant and expressive illos from Janelle Burger are perfect!
Maybe your school has its own First Nations dance troupe, or perhaps you can invite a group for an incursion. Or just watch some of the wonderful dancing, especially by jarjums, at some of our festivals. This is absolutely top-notch and will bring not only knowledge and understanding to your readers but also a whole bunch of fun! Too Deadly! 5 ❤️❤️💛🖤🖤 rating – don’t miss out on this one!! Pre-order now from your usual suppliers.
Garma toddler Joevhan Burarrwanga ‘to be the face of festival for years to come’, family say
Dancing in the dust – celebrating First Nations culture at the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival
Young dancers not fazed by big stadium crowd
Just So Stories 
Leave a comment