1. Bilingual books
2. Board books
3. Children as artists
4. Country
5. Education
6. Family
7. Readers
8. Teaching

Each of the six double page spreads in this board book for the very young features children’s artwork revealing their interpretation of being very young and relying on family to teach them about their country. There is a sense of knowing how important these teachings will be: ‘I am listening to the words you are saying. You must teach me the words so that I can be strong in my country.’ Similar to other books in this unique series, the opening page invites the viewer to contemplate their own image with its reflective mirror. Succeeding double pages portray young children set in their familiar landscapes which feature families gathering food, cooking over the fire, undertaking daily tasks, gathering together and participating in ceremonies. Because all the illustrations are by very young children, these provide a youthful interpretation of a traditional lifestyle.

The final page reveals a moonlit scene with the words for ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ or ‘Walamba walamba’ in Garrwa language. This song is translated into Garrwa by Daphne Mawson and sung by Shellie Morris, Isa McDinny, Nancy McDinny, Marjorie Keighran, Maria Pyro add Serdonia Charlie. This appears on the accompanying CD with a second song, ‘Bayakarda bardarda = I am a small baby’, sung by the same group.

1. Why you should sing to your baby (even if you are not a good singer) https://www.abc.net.au/life/why-you-should-sing-to-your-baby-benefits/11655290
2. Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC). Child Rearing Practices https://www.supportingcarers.snaicc.org.au/caring-for-kids/child-rearing-practices/
3. Gangalidda Garawa. A Cultural Heritage That Dates back More Than 70,000 Years http://www.gangalidda-garawa.com.au/our-culture/community
4. Monash University Monash Indigenous Study Centre. Garrwa People of Northern Territory, including information about the Garrwa people, two stories, songs and animation in Garrwa language https://www.monash.edu/arts/monash-indigenous-studies/wunungu-awara/communities-collaborations/garrwa-of-northern-territory