Illustrations in Aboriginal children’s books are a fantastic way to bring Aboriginal art into ones classroom. I personally adore the works of many Aboriginal illustrators it’s hard to pick my top ten. However, I have done my best and tried to pick a diverse range of art styles.
Bronwyn BancroftDr. Bronwyn Bancroft is a proud Bundjalung Woman and Artist. Bronwyn has been exhibiting nationally and internationally for over 3 decades.
Bronwyn has illustrated and/or written 41 children’s books.
Bronwyn has been a Director of her own company, Designer Aboriginals Pty Ltd since 1985.
Bronwyn holds positions with Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (Director) and Commonwealth Bank Indigenous Advisory Council. Bronwyn has been a volunteer senior strategist at Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative since 2009.
Bronwyn has a Diploma of Visual Arts from Canberra School of Art, 2 Masters degrees, one in Studio Practice and the other in Visual Art, University of Sydney. Bronwyn was awarded her Doctor of Philosophy in 2018.
Some Bronwyn Bancroft titles include:
- W is for Wombat
- The Art in Country Treasury for children
- Possum and Wattle
- My Big Book of Australian Words
Born Adam Douglas Hill Blacktown (1970) Western Sydney to a Dhungatti Aboriginal Father /Caucasian Mother.
Trained in illustration & photography, became self – practised in painting. A classically trained Yidaki player performing nationally and internationally accompanying the likes of Christine Anu, Jessica Mauboy, and Peter Sculthorpe. Major events have included Australian Idol, The Deadly’s, The Rugby World Cup opening ceremony, and the welcome for Nelson Mandela.
You can see Blak Douglas’ art through his illustrations in the book “Finding Our Heart” by Thomas Mayor. Finding our heart - Thomas Mayor – Koori Curriculum
Ambelin Kwaymullina
Ambelin is an Aboriginal writer, illustrator and law academic. She comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Ambelin works across a range of storytelling forms including non-fiction, young adult novels and children’s picture books.
You can see some of Ambelins work through the following books:
Jasmine Seymour
Jasmine Seymouris a Darug woman and descendant of Maria Lock, who was the daughter of Yarramundi, the Boorooberongal elder who had met Governor Phillip on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in 1791. Maria was the first Aboriginal woman to be educated by the Blacktown Native Institute. She was married to carpenter and convict, Robert Lock and their union resulted in thousands of descendants who can all trace their Darug heritage back past Yarramundi. Jasmine is a member of the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation.
It is Jasmine’s wish that through her books, everyone will know that the Darug mob are still here, still strong. Jasmine is a primary school teacher in the Hawkesbury area of NSW.
You can view Jasmines Books :
Charmain Ledden-Lewis
Charmaine Ledden-Lewis is a Blue Mountains artist, and descendant of the Bundjalung people. Her matriarchal lineage is a living legacy of the Stolen Generation. She is a vocal advocate for those who have had their history and culture stolen from them. Raised in a loving family surrounded by art and music, Charmaine developed a passion from a young age, for all things creative. She provides the same environment for her two sons, taking pleasure in nurturing their creativity. Charmaine believes we are all artists and encourages everyone to transcend inhibition and find creative expression
You can see Charmaines first children's book here:
