In this anthology, three stories featuring birds of the Australian bush provide valuable lessons for young readers about the importance of friendship, collaboration, ingenuity and selflessness in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and problems. In ‘Eagle and Bullfrog’, little Eagle’s small wings are weakened further when greedy green Serpent steals his wing feathers. Bullfrog takes pity on the vulnerable bird and, along with the other bush creatures, helps little eagle to survive and fly again. ‘The Great Cold’ has come about due to a battle between Moon and Sun which forces mother Crow to travel on a long and difficult journey to protect her unhatched egg. While selfish Goanna initially helps mother Crow for a reward, he is redeemed when he and baby Crow set about restoring the world to the way it was. When Emu greedily drinks the pure water from Serpent’s tree, all of the surrounding rivers, creeks and waterholes are drained, and all of the animals are left thirsty in ‘Emu and the Water Tree’. Tricked by Serpent into sacrificing his golden feather, Emu’s tears start the waters flowing again which saves the animals and leads to the discovery of Emu’s hidden talent. Half-page black-and-white monotone illustrations are scattered throughout this short chapter book.
Mother and daughter, Gladys and Jill Milroy are Palyku women from the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia. Gladys’ stories are inspired by her concern about the fragility of the environment, and threat to local bird and animal life. Professor Jill Milroy was made a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her services to Indigenous education. Tracey Gibbs is a contemporary printmaker from Perth, Western Australia. Two of the stories, ‘Emu and the Water Tree’ and ‘The Great Cold’ have also been published as stand-alone books in the Waarda series for Indigenous readers.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
