AustLit

Abstract: Deep love of country inspires Bronwyn Bancroft's poetry and the richly layered hues of Colours of Australia. Each line speaks a different voice, each image stirs a different mood, and all combine to evoke the miracle of colour with which we are surrounded.

Abstract: Jane Christophersen, an elder of the Bunitj clan in Kakadu National Park, opens up our hearts with this wonderful collection of stories from the Australian bush. Join the adventures of Burrki, a young boy who travels across a huge landscape to find his way home, encountering buffaloes and snakes along the way. Step into Mardjibi's shoes and feel what it's like to visit the city after you have lived your whole life in the bush.

Abstract: The children Kutabah, Warabal and Bidu travel from their home to the lush rainforests of the Queensland Tablelands. This is their Nana’s land—the abundant rainforest—so far known only to them through her colourful stories. The Elders test Kutabah and Warabal as they travel with their younger brother, Bidu, and begin their transition into the adult world.

Abstract: Tells the story of how Anangu from five different language groups came to live together at Papunya. From the time of the first contacts with explorers, missionaries and pastoralists, through to the Papunya art movement and the Warumpi Band, this multi-layered text finally leads us to the development of the unique educational environment that is Papunya School.

Abstract: "We use the bush as our school and as our playground", says one of the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose voices combine in this anthology of true stories about childhood, compiled from a wide range of memoirs and oral histories. Alongside reminiscences of getting bush tucker, going fishing and taking part in ceremony, there are descriptions of playing games, building cubbies and having fun. The warmth of home, the love of family and the strength of community shine through every story. Freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility, while respect and sharing are constant themes. The eighty Elders - both past and present - who have contributed their words or artwork to this book include many prominent community leaders, educators and artists. Their life-stories span the twentieth century. Just as important are the contemporary stories told by twenty secondary school students. Although some of these young people now make their home in the city, their connection to traditional country remains the source of learning. As we listen to these stories that come from country and from inside the heart, we find wisdom that could help us care for each other and for the land where we all now live."

Abstract: Written with gentle humour and a beautiful interpretation of landscape, this adventure story about Jack and his family is reminiscent of endless summers, azure seas and sandy white beaches. Jack, his dad Vince, sister Tanya, and mum Carla, escape to Seahorse Bay whenever they can. Idyllic days are spent exploring the waters of the bay, diving, fishing and cooking up feasts on the beach — and, for Jack, daydreaming of long-gone shipwrecks and forgotten treasure. Jack cannot believe his luck when he comes across a sunken boat not far off the coast. When he shows his father, they discover it is in pristine condition and decide to take on the challenge of salvaging it. But what is the story behind this mysterious boat? How long has it been in the bay? How did it get there? And who is the man on the cliff with the binoculars? When the boat is finally raised, the adventure begins…

Abstract: Debbie has two special secrets, and she definitely doesn't want to share them with her brother Billy. When her grandfather comes to visit though, Sally knows she can trust him with her treasures. And Grandpa has another secret, just for her. It's his special place and Sally is charged with taking care of it, too.

Abstract: When Melly’s cat brings home a baby bilby, Melly become fascinated and learns more about its plight.

Abstract: See the bush from a contemporary Indigenous viewpoint. John Clark approaches a serious problem with a sense of humour. Share the fun of a picnic with a Koori family and help children think about littering.

Abstract: In the central desert of Australia, lives a small nocturnal marsupial group called mala, that inhabits the Spinifex and hummock grasslands. Their numbers have declined since 1990s due to habitat destruction and predation. Warla the shy mala, tells how the Warlpiri people rescued her and now she lives in a safe environment.

This book is the story of the vital role the Warlpiri played in the conservation of the mala (rufous hare wallaby).

This book contains a forward by Boori Pryor . The traditional owners of the mala story are named and thanked in the book. 

Abstract: Wan’kurra (Golden Bandicoot) are an animal that has disappeared from most of mainland Australia. Their last recorded sighting in the Northern Territory was in the 1950s. When hairs are discovered on Martjanba Island in scats of wild dogs, Aboriginal people of the Wessel Islands are asked about their knowledge of Wan’kurra and reveal the story. Can these small animals be brought back from the brink of extinction by translocating them to other islands?

Abstract: The Yellow-eye fish were becoming scarce. Neither the Impatjara Aboriginal community nor the white community could find the answer. This is a story about communication; the ways different cultures approach problems and how how they view the world.

N.B. "Tapatjatjaka Community Government Council of Titjikala, Northern Territory, Australia, endorses this story as a positive and worthwhile contribution towards intercultural understanding and reconciliation"--Half t.p.

Abstract: The Girl from the Great Sandy Desert is the remarkable account of the life of Mana, a young Walmajarri girl and her family in the desert country of north-west Australia. A collection of accessible stories that elucidate the rich cultural lives of pre-contact Aboriginal Australians.

Abstract: An introduction to the indigenous culture and natural history of Kakadu. The story is a factual narrative that conveys the author's first hand experience of the communities.

Abstract: The Murray River of the 1950s was full of fish, and its surrounding landscape covered with vineyards and orchards. As a young boy Ian ranged along its banks and backwaters, catching yabbies, hunting swans and camping along the creeks at night while fishing for pondi, or cod. But if tucker was plentiful, money was not, for there were few employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.

Ian's narrative paintings recall the stories of his youth.

Abstract: As Mary Malbunka shares her stories of playing with friends, building cubby houses, climbing trees, collecting sugarbag, digging for honey ants, hunting for lizards and, learning about the seasons, animals and plans, she creates a vivid picture of a truly Australian childhood in which country - ngurra - is life itself.