Here is our Recommended Reading List to Complement this year's NAIDOC 2023 Theme “For Our Elders”

Here is our Recommended Reading List to Complement this year's NAIDOC 2023 Theme “For Our Elders”



A joyful story about the power of reconnecting to family, culture and Country. From Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, co-writer Ellie Laing, and Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.

'Where are we going again?' asks Lucy.
'Back on Country,' says Mum. 'Where we're going is where your nanna comes from, where we come from. Our Country is special to us. You'll see.'

It's Lucy and David's first time back on Country.
They meet their cousins and Elders, and see special places, learn local language words and hear stories as old as time.

Join them to feel the strength that comes from being back on Country.
 
'This series is one of the most significant publications available to help our young children understand and appreciate the long-overdue recognition of our First Nations people in schools.' Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian




Meet Wylah: warrior, hero and friend. Her adventures have been 40,000 years in the making!

Wylah is brave, clever and strong-willed, and all her best friends are giant megafauna animals. But she isn't a warrior. Not yet, anyway.

Then comes the day when her family is stolen by the dragon army, and her life is forever changed. She must find the courage to set out on a journey to save them. What will it take for Wylah to become a warrior, like her Grandmother before her?

Introducing an unforgettable cast of characters, Wylah The Koorie Warrior is a heart-stopping and imaginative adventure, inspired by First Nations history and grounded in culture.



Award-winning artist Vincent Namatjira tells the life story of his great-grandfather, Albert Namatjira, one of Australia's most iconic artists.

Vincent's witty and moving paintings are accompanied by evocative text, which records the pivotal moments in Albert's life. In telling his great-grandfather's story, Vincent builds a compelling picture of the times and conditions in which Albert lived and worked, capturing his triumphs and tragedy against a backdrop of social change and historical injustices.

This poignant children's book provides an important tool for discussion about Australia's art history, and a launching pad for exploration of the key moments in Australia's Aboriginal Rights movement.

Albert Namatjira is a unique children's picture book of both artistic beauty and historical importance, and will appeal to children, art collectors and those looking for a special gift.

The artwork in this book is part of a body of work called 'Albert's Story' that was acquired by QAGOMA - Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art.




Freedom Day by Thomas Mayor, Rosie Smiler & Samantha Campbell


When many voices are joined together, with courage, change can happen.
 
In 1966, more than two hundred courageous Aboriginal people walked off the Wave Hill Cattle Station in the Northern Territory. Led by Vincent Lingiari, these stockmen and their families were walking together to fight for equal pay and land rights.

Exquisitely illustrated and designed, this non-fiction picture book brings a landmark historical event to a new generation. Many people have seen the iconic photograph of Gough Whitlam pouring a handful of red soil into the hands of Vincent Lingiari – a symbol of the legal transfer of Gurindji land back to the Gurindji people – and recognise this as a key moment in the ongoing land rights movement. Freedom Day delves into the events that led up to this moment, and makes a rallying cry for the things that still need to change in its wake. Thomas Mayor co-authors this book with Rosie, Vincent Lingiari’s granddaughter, to bring this vital story to life. The story has been written in close consultation with the Lingiari family.


Charli and the Christmas bush by Leanne Murner and Illustrated by Kat Fox


This is number 3 in the series of Australian-themed books designed to educate little minds.

This is a great little story based around the Australian Christmas Bush. Charli is discovering the Christmas Bush with her Poppy and how it can be used in Christmas celebrations as well and provide homes and food for Australian wildlife. This book is a great addition to a blooming nature lover wanting to get creative this Christmas.

Leanne has created these books to teach kids about Australian native flora and fauna, what they are and who needs them to survive. Leanne is busy working an another series of books teaching kids about Australian animals and their habitat, threats and how we can help.

Leanne is passionate about the need for children to be educated on Australian wildlife and the prevention of extinction.




Main Abija My Grandad by Karen Rogers


A tribute to a much-loved grandfather, celebrating First Nations Australian culture, country and the circle of life. Told in Kriol and English.

'Dijan buk gada ola memri ai bin abum gada main abija from wen ai bin lilgel til imin libu wi. Imin titjim mi loda tings bla koltja en bla kantri. Mi hepi ba pasim det stori la main femili en bla pudum la dis buk.'

'This book has the memories I had of my grandfather from when I was small until he left us. He taught me many things about culture and country. I'm happy to pass this story on to my family and to put it in this book.'

With luscious artwork and a lyrical text in Kriol and English, celebrated Ngukurr artist Karen Rogers evokes the world of her childhood in a remote part of the Northern Territory. Her story is a beautiful celebration of a special relationship, showing how culture is passed on from generation to generation.

'My grandfather touched my heart. I hope everybody can have a chance to love one grandparent that way.'


Shirley Purdie, My Story Ngaginybe Jarragbe by Shirley Purdie


I am Shirley Purdie
This is my story
Ngayin-ga Birrmarriyan-nga
Berrembi jarragbe ngaginybe.


My mother shows me how to get bushtucker and she shows me how to paint.
Now I'm a famous artist.
My paintings are all over the world hanging in important places. Happy times.

Told in English and Gija, this is the story of Shirley Purdie, famous Gija artist, as told through her paintings, as part of the Ngaalim-Ngalimboorro Ngagenybe exhibition created for the 2018 National Portrait Gallery exhibition So Fine: Contemporary women artists make Australian history. The exhibition will be rehung, in Gallery 1, to coincide with the launch of My Story, along with a series of cultural engagement activities based on My Story.

This is the first book in the Kimberley Art Centre Series. The series focuses on developing the skills of Kimberley Aboriginal artists in children's picture book storytelling and illustration.




Day Break by Amy McQuire


Day Break is the story of a family making their way back to Country on January 26. We see the strength they draw from being together, and from sharing stories as they move through a shifting landscape.

The story refocuses the narratives around ‘Australia Day’ on Indigenous survival and resistance, and in doing so honours the past while looking to the future. Confronting yet truthful, painful yet full of hope, Day Break is a crucial story that will open up a conversation on truth-telling for the next generation.


I want to be a superhero by Breanna Humes


Breanna wrote this story when she was 8 years old and wanted to fly.

Beautifully told and illustrated story of Breanna, who wants to be a superhero. She asks family and friends if she can become a superhero by wishing upon a shooting star. She tries but it doesn't work. Breanna is finally happy with the idea of working hard and becoming a superhero doctor, lawyer, engineer or vet. But she still wants to fly!




Family by Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson & Jasmine Seymour


Family

Heart and home

Yarning old people

Endless sky


Family is a thoughtful contemplation for all to learn the different ways that family makes us whole. This beautifully illustrated children’s picture book shows everyone that ‘family’ can be about heart and home; an endless sky; stories and songs. It ‘learns’ us how to be with each other and with Country. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and this remarkably simple story teaches us all, that family can be many things.


Respect: Our Place by Aunty Fay Muir


Age range 3 to 9

Our Way is old.
Older than the red earth.
Older than flickering stars.
Our way is respect.

A tender, thoughtful story reminding us to respect others and respect ourselves. Part of the Our Place series which welcomes children to culture.