‘Kids on Our Block’ is similar to the seven other books in this series, which includes stories of Indigenous young people and their lifestyle in a particular area along with aspects of their culture. The text is from a song and includes the repeated refrain, ‘Kids on our block, we really rock, know how to play Indigenous way, look out for each other and do what’s right. Big mob together … a deadly sight!‘ The exuberant illustrations by Adam Hill show innumerable activities with groups of children enjoying life in the city. So what do these children do? They race, play footy, cricket and basketball, swim in the pool, ride skate boards, throw boomerangs, and most of all, enjoy each other’s company. Aboriginal colours feature proudly throughout on shirts, hats and pants. There’s a Glossary defining three words included in the story: ‘Deadly’, ‘Mob’ and ‘Yarnin’, which reflect this book’s high spirits.
Wendy Notley is a non-Aboriginal early childhood trained teacher who has worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. She is the creator of the Aunty Wendy’s Mob resources—song and stories that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Her website states that great care has been taken to follow protocols regarding the inclusion of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the development of these resources. Adam Hill is a descendant of the peoples of the Dhungatti and Gaumbaingirr nations of New South Wales. He is a full-time artist, musician and performer.
Series title: ‘Growing Up Strong’ and Happy to be me’ is the collective series title for eight picture books, two teacher resource books and digital audio material. The texts in the book series are adaptations of songs on the ‘Happy to be me’ CD.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
