This story is a memory of the author’s mother’s most prized possession. She took very great care of this possession. The family lived a simple bush life with few possessions except for Mum’s one very special elephant. It was so special that she talked to it and told it stories, and when her friends visited, they had tea parties with the elephant. No one was allowed to touch it but her, and Mum even kept it close by when she took a nap.
But how did an elephant get to be in outback Central Australia? It is a mystery slowly and cleverly revealed through the text and subtle clues in the brightly coloured illustrations. The background settings of deep orange and dark blues bring the country alive and show beautifully the relaxed life the family and friends share. The illustrator cleverly offers several different perspectives including aerial views, half-hidden objects and tiny visual clues about this elephant the elephant to tantalise observant viewers and add to the mystery. This quiet gentle story draws you in and reflects on family memories and stories and the pleasure that can come from sharing them.
The author, Maureen Jipyiliya Nampijinpa O’Keefe, is a Kaytetye-Warlpiri woman. She was born at Ali Curung, south-east of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. She is an accomplished poet and short story writer. ’Mum’s Elephant’ is a story from her childhood and her first book. Christina Booth is an award-winning illustrator and author who resides in Tasmania.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
