Just So Stories

Boodjar Wangkiny

Allen & Unwin

ISBN:9781761181238

Imprint:A & U Children

RRP: $26.99

I have been eagerly awaiting this one, having seen sneak peeks of Jade’s gorgeous illustrations in the interim. It is just as beautiful as it promised. As so many of us shake our heads over recent ignorant and ill-informed comments about Welcome to Country protocols, perhaps we could send out titles like this to a wider audience so that they have some greater understanding of why such a courtesy is extended to those not of the particular Country in question.

Country for First Nations peoples does not refer to the nation of Australia. It is in fact, a living entity that is of the utmost importance for every nation or tribe (please take a look at the AIATSIS map) for their own particular mob but in more general terms, it can refer to the concept of this living entity as a whole.

This is where books like this are so vital in helping our children grow in understanding, so that they will, in turn, become respectful and caring adults. Author Sean McCann did not grow up on the Country where he now lives, but has created a testimony to the importance of Country, and how it shapes and underpins the whole of First Nations culture, in this instance, for the Noongar people.

Papa says we’re going to a special place today.
‘If we djinang (look), ni (listen), goordoo (feel), we might hear boodjar wangkiny (earth speak). We might even feel her heartbeat.’
I wonder what that will sound like? Will the earth’s heart beat just like ours?

This is an invitation to kiddos, whether First Nations or not, to explore, appreciate and value their natural surroundings, and to develop an understanding and respect for what Country means to all First Nations people.

Follow this family on their bush walk through some amazing landscapes, learn some Noongar language and relish the sensational artwork of Jade Goodwin (including those endpapers and the title design!!).

This is a must-have for any collection, school or home, and one that will inspire you and your family to get out on Country – where ever you are – to explore and admire, and feel the boodjar wangkiny for yourselves. It’s a 5 💚🤎💙🤎💚 rating on this gorgeous book for kiddos from around 4 years up to Year 6 easily.