Wild Dog Books
October 2025
ISBN: 9781742036915
RRP: $24.99
This book is truly special. Completely aside from the Wiradjuri close connection [from my own perspective], this is a book that you will use multiple times with classes for multiple reasons, aside from its innate beauty, both visually and textually.
Wiradjuri writer, speaker and artist, Uncle Glenn Loughrey has created some sensational paintings to underline the importance of our waterways, the need for us to actively protect them and shares the deep connection of Aboriginal people to waterways and to Country.
His co-creator, Andrew Kelly, was formerly the Yarra Riverkeeper, and is presently Convenor of The Waterway Network. But he is also an award-winning author of children’s books – most of which I am sure you will have in your collections e.g. Wilam: a Birrarung Story.
What happens when two talented creators, both passionate about our waterways, combine their skills? An absolutely stunning and poetic book that will speak to the hearts of readers of all ages, and empower your jarjums to look out for and respect our precious creeks, rivers, billabongs, and lakes.
Many of them already have this affinity and concern for the ocean and are passionate about its protection, especially those such as in my area who live beside the sea, but not so many recognise the need for those other waterways to be cared for. Hopefully, it will also stir adults into action.
I can easily see the ongoing in-depth exploration that will arise from this one: scientific inquiry for sure, service in action, personal and social capability, community involvement, local area history/geography but also art and poetry/creative writing. Investigating local groups and inviting in guest speakers would certainly be a given.
What a gift this is for your classroom or library collection! It’s still a way off release but of course NAIDOC is a super time to bring it to your attention. You can pre-order from the amazing Wild Dog Books direct or your usual suppliers. Suitable for all ages from Prep up to big fellas in secondary.
It gets a big 5 💧💧💧💧💧 rating from me.
bila ngayirr
Yindyamarra bila
bila Yindyamarra nhugu
River is sacred
respect River (and)
River will respect you
FYI – Andrew has kindly suggested some possible contacts for those who would like to get involved or have kiddos connected.
Georges Riverkeeper [close to home for me, as a Hurstville girl growing up]
Just So Stories 
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