Meet Ezy!
Ezy is a charming Staffordshire Terrier who is always learning—and helping children learn Dharawal language along the way! Building on Dr. Jodi Edwards’ previous book (Dharawal: Words, Phrases, and Activities), this picture book serves as a primer for teaching Dharawal. Each sentence is presented first in Dharawal, followed by English, with engaging illustrations by Amy-Lea Hill-Trindall.
To support learners, readers can access pronunciation guides at dharawalwords.com.au, which is helpful for both educators and young readers. The story is straightforward and easy to follow, allowing children to focus on the language without the distraction of a complex plot. The illustrations are bright, bold, and truly leap off the page, making learning vibrant and enjoyable.
About the Ezy Books Series
Dr. Jodi Edwards, author of Dharawal Colouring and Counting and Dharawal Words, Phrases, and Activities (illustrated by Merindah Funnell), developed this series to support revitalization of the Dharawal language. The series includes 11 primary readers featuring Jodi’s Staffordshire Terrier, Ezy, whom she “teaches” in Dharawal throughout the books.
Each book is written as if Jodi is teaching Ezy both his language and cultural heritage. They incorporate vocabulary from Jodi’s previous works, now expanded into sentences and phrases reflecting Dharawal cultural themes, such as the sea, birds, food gathering, rivers, colors, and directions. By 2025, the series will expand further to cover numbers, the Dharawal alphabet, and camp dogs.
For this project, Jodi collaborated with renowned Aboriginal artist Amy-Lea Trindall Hill, who brings each character to life with a distinctive First Nations perspective.
Each book is bilingual, with sentences in Dharawal followed by English translations. Since exact translations aren’t always possible, readers may encounter minor interpretive challenges, adding depth to the learning experience.
Additionally, Jodi is creating videos where she reads the stories using a dog puppet. These videos will be available at dharawalwords.com.au as soon as they’re completed.
About
Immerse your young reader in the vibrant world of "Budjaan and Ezy: Ezy Learns Dharawal from the Birds," a delightful children's book by Jodi Edwards, with charming illustrations by Amy Lea Hill-Trindall. Join Ezy, the inquisitive pet dog, and his friend Lenny as they embark on a journey through the bush, eagerly searching for native birds.
As Ezy and Lenny wander through the bush, they marvel at the splendid diversity of birdlife, including the striking crimson rosellas, elegant black swans, spirited black cockatoos, and joyful kookaburras. Together, they listen to the unique calls of each bird and delight in counting their feathered friends, discovering the wonders of nature.
Expertly written in both English and Dharawal, this bilingual book offers a unique opportunity for children to learn and appreciate Aboriginal language alongside an engaging storyline. As part of a six-book series, "Budjaan and Ezy" presents another captivating chapter in the adventures of Ezy, each one enriched with cultural insights and learning.
Perfect for parents, educators, and nature-loving children, "Budjaan and Ezy: Ezy Learns Dharawal from the Birds" is more than a charming narrative—it's an exploration of cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and the simple joys of friendship. Set your child's imagination soaring as they learn from the birds, guided by the endearing duo of Ezy and Lenny.
General Information
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ISBN: 9780645774320
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Publisher: Dharawal Publishing
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Publication Date: April 1, 2023
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Product Type: Book
