Little Black Books are a big success!

I always love receiving the latest offerings of Little Black Books from Black Ink Press  in Townsville. Most of the titles are written by young Indigenous people from around Australia, and often they are part of community workshopping projects. Thus, little books by little people. Love the concept and I love the look of them. I also appreciate the publications being used with kids in lower primary because it encourages young readers to believe that they too can write a story. And this is how we improve literacy and develop a love of reading.

The latest pack of books to arrive includes seven titles.  The first four mentioned below were created as part of an after-school workshop at the Thuringowa Library over 10 Fridays in 2010, and were supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund. They are dedicated to the memory of Kerry Clarkson, the much-loved Indigenous Library Resource officer who coordinated the project and died suddenly, before it was finished.

Below are my thoughts on each title, and a glimpse for you of the new pool of young Aussie authors... and that’s something to celebrate.

SOMETIMES I WONDER

The cover of this ‘little book’ – a blue sky with pink writing – caught my eye amongst all the titles on my desk at once. A peaceful tone that I imagined would lead to a story about daydreaming, or being a dreamer. However, the story written and illustrated by Kaitlyn Kum Sing was about bereavement, an issue rarely dealt with in children’s books for young readers, and rarely by young writers. A tribute to a lost sister and she might have been like, the story is powerful, and like its cover, provides a sense of peace.

OUR CAMPING TRIP WITH DAD

Having just been camping myself (see that blog here) I was drawn to this tale, written and illustrated by Brandon Stutley. As with all good camping adventures should, this one also included fishing, rain and a lot of mud! It reminded me of the joys of camping... for kids!

OUR TRIP TO THE GOLD COAST

The Kum Sings are clearly a talented family as Kaitlin’s sister Gabrielle writes about a trip to the Gold Coast via a flight to Brisbane and a drive in a Green Holden Commodore SV6 (I liked the details and the illustration of the car!). I especially appreciated that the family stopped at DFO for a quick look at the shops. I think Gabrielle might group up to be an author just like me!

AT THE CREEK WITH MY BRO’

Young author Reagan Stutley doesn’t like to read but loves to draw and that’s clear in this suspense story about Reagan and his friend Campbell who he refers to as Bro. They both go boogie boarding in the creek on a rainy day and the water rises so fast they find themselves in trouble. Will they have something to brag about at school the next day? Let’s hope so.

BEING A BUS DRIVER

I love the canary yellow cover on this story, written by Weilangta T (Bernard James Williams) from southern Tasmania and illustrated by Vicky Duncan from northern NSW. The public transport authority could use this to recruit appropriate staff as it lists ’10 things I like about being a bus driver’ (meeting passengers, getting holiday pay and taking lunch breaks in different places) and ’10 things I dislike about being a bus driver’ (some people telling you how to drive, not getting danger money and rowdy school kids). This small book would weed out those who should not be in the industry! I loved it, and reckon these kids should write books for every career!

 RABBITS AND SNAKES

Of all the titles, Richard Garth’s story (one we’re told from his childhood) is the most detailed and wordy, with a glimpse of his family’s love of rabbits – to eat, not as pets. This isn’t for the faint hearted though as rabbit traps, .22 rifles, feral cats and thick black snakes might just scare the littlies. I think boys eight and up will LOVE this tale and the illustrations by Vicky Dunn (yes, another book by VD). It will also make you think twice about hanging around blackberry bushes.

DOWN TO THE POND

Written and illustrated by the late Violet Sirriss, an elder of the Nywaigi people in North Queensland, this tale about Bob and Dick going fishing, is a clever way to document and pass on Nywaigi words related to the environment and the practice of fishing. I liked the small touch that the two boys played ‘I spy...’ as they waited for the fish to bite. With her own commitment to education, this is a wonderful legacy that Vi Sirriss has left behind.

Little Black Books are written and illustrated by various young authors. Most are 24pp and you can buy sets of 12 for $70! What a bargain. They are distributed by Australian Book Groupor you buy directly from the publisher Book Ink Press.

Review: Shake A Leg

Boori Monty Pryor and Jan Ormerod / Allen & Unwin 2011 RRP: $24.99

Boori Monty Pryor  is a stellar storyteller. I’ve seen him in action wowing young people and adults alike at schools, libraries, community events and major literary festivals. There’s no surprise at all that his most recent book Shake A Leg  – with lively illustrations by the talented Jan Ormerod – was named the 2011 Winner (Children’s Fiction) in the prestigious Prime Minister’s Awards. 

Inspired by members of his own family, Boori  - who hails from Northern Queensland and the Birrigubba and Kungganji nations - has cleverly woven his ancient traditions, culture and stories in a modern day yarn.

Through the story of three young fellas hunting for pizza we get an insight into contemporary Aboriginal life. It’s a place where Blackfellas speak Italian (in fact, they go to Italy which takes the meaning of ‘going walkabout’ to a whole new level). Where Murris are chefs, nurses and sound engineers. Where crocodile pizza is washed down with milkshakes (now that’s what I call culinary fusion). Where the busy street acts as the bora ring today. And where people can live in cities and still respect and value thousands of years of culture.

Teachers often ask me about titles for use in the classroom, especially in relation to discussing Aboriginal identity.  Shake A Leg is perfect for that in-class engagement and it even comes with teachers’ notes, so half the work is done already.

Get your copy direct from the publisher here  or through Booktopia here.

Things I’m grateful for when glamping:

I recently spent four nights glamping (glamorous camping) in the Northern Territory while participating in the 45^th Anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-Off. There were many things to be grateful for during my time ‘getting one with nature’, but here’s my top five:

1. A motorised tent: That’s right. Why pitch a tent and sleep on the ground when you can get a tent on wheels with a microwave, air-conditioning, a shower, somewhere to plug your GHD in AND a doona! Seriously, get in first and choose your bed and if you’re fast enough you can get the ‘loft’ as I called it; that’s the bed above the driving cabin. You mightn’t have 1000 thread sheets but it’s the nearest thing to your own mattress as you’re going to get. Just don’t sit up too fast in the middle of the night or you might just knock yourself out! All's I can say is I am grateful for whomever invented the tent on wheels. Pic above with sista glamper, Cathy.

2. Communal cooking: The best thing about camping or glamping is the community spirit that exists around all meal times. It was new to me as I live by myself and when I’m not on the road or out with friends, I usually microwave an egg or throw some Skippy in the wok. So, I was MOST grateful for the pot-luck meal where everyone bought something. We had three different curries, salads (which I helped to chop!) and a lot of laughs. Pic above of me with Steve from Cairns and all the fabulous dishes...and below more of our group, and yes, that is a half of Dan Sultan to the left of the photo!

3. Communal baby:  I’m not a mother, and not overly maternal, but what I did find a calming presence at the ‘glampsite’ was a baby. Young Delilah (daughter of Jared and Ruth) had so much personality, batted her tiny little eye-lashes and smiled constantly bringing so much peace and joy our place. I’m grateful she was packed into the motorised tent pitched next to mine.  That’s me with the fabulous bub below.

4.  Humour: There's  simply no point in even attempting to glamp if you haven't got a sense of humour.  If you can’t laugh when you share the toilet with a frog, or you walk into the wrong tent after a midnight pee then you should probably stay home! I’m grateful all those I travelled with knew how to laugh and didn’t take themselves too seriously. Pic below with the gorgeous Craig who has a fab sense of humour, and I was grateful we got to have a laugh together.

 5. Shared human experiences: Don’t even bother glamping in close proximity to other people if you haven’t already come to accept that everyone farts - that's right, even this Princess here has the urge on occasion. It's a relief when someone in your campsite does it first, then you can all relax. I’m grateful to all those I glamped with had healthy bodies also and that no-one was expected to wake up with a full-face of make-up either (of course that only happens on the daytime soaps, right?).

What I am most grateful for in Perth this week...

I recently had a flying visit to Perth for Indigenous Literacy Day, and I wanted to take this opportunity to express  my gratitude to those who made the trip exceptional!

1. NOONGAR RADIO:  I’m grateful to Noongar Radio  100.9FM who generously participated in Indigenous Literacy Day and happily hosted an on-air silent auction of books during their Drive Program. Unfortunately, it’s regular host Karla Hart was off-air (and her feet) and so station manager Wayne Bynder and guest host Chris Ross yarned with me, and together we carried the show as best we could. The real stars on the day though were the dozens of bidders for the thirteen book packs donated by (Mabagala Books, HarperCollins, Penguin, Fremantle Arts Centre Press, the National Library of Australia and individual authors including Charmaine Papertalk Green).  I’m also grateful and pleased to report that over the time of the broadcast we raised over $1600 for much needed Indigenous Literacy resources. Thank you! (Pic above of Chris and Michelle in the studio)

 2. INSPIRING STUDENTS: I was in Perth also to do motivational talks at St Brigid’s College in Lesmurdie (somewhere locals call ‘the Hills’). I had a ball speaking to at the Year 11 assembly during the day, and later that evening addressing Indigenous students from across the state and boarding at one of a number of fabulous schools in Perth. The students I met that day / night, were engaged, intelligent and full of potential and I was / am grateful for the opportunity to be reminded also of the passion of youth. The pic above is of the group from the evening session

3. FRANE LESSAC: I am grateful for my dear friend Frane Lessac who is not only an extraordinary illustrator and artist, but she is also my fabulously fun buddy and always makes me feel at home in WA. Frane also donated six books to the ILD auction and the lucky bidder not only took home fabulous story books, but also compact works of art. If you missed Frane’s guest blog on her trip to Japan you can read it here.

4.SARA FOSTER: I’m grateful for my fabulous friend Sara Foster , author of Come Back to Me and Beneath the Shadows. Sara not only trekked into the city to see me, but she too donated her novel to the book auction to help raise money for ILD. I love Sara and you should too. If you haven’t read her blog post here previously, then click this link now and see what Sara is grateful for.

5. VERITY JAMES: Some of you will know Verity Jamesas an ABC Broadcaster, funeral celebrant and Perth personality for many years. I know her as a deadly, funny, generous, warm, always positive tidda. And for that I am grateful.

Why I'm grateful for my Australian Indigenous Diary

Today I received in a plain brown package, inside was the extraordinarily colourful and cultural 2012 Australian Indigenous Diary published by Magabala Books in Broome. It was like Christmas had arrived significantly early, or perhaps my birthday was running late. Either way, it’s absolutely gorgeous and functional, and I am grateful for it... ‘Why?’ I hear you ask. Well...

Five reasons I’m grateful for the 2012 diary:

1. Extraordinary art work: If you’re like me and waiting to own your walls before you can buy original artwork to hang on them, then you will be grateful for this Diary which has a range of works across mediums between its covers. Those featured include Norma McDonald, Bradley Brown, Adam Hilland Leigh Oates http://daao.library.unsw.edu.au/bio/leigh-oates/version/5/

2. Wayne Quilliam photography: I’m fortunate to have worked with Wayne a few times, most significantly on author photos he took for me in 2008 on the day of the Melbourne launch of Avoiding Mr Right. So, naturally, I am already a fan of his work. But in Magabala’s diary, readers get the chance to see the breadth of skill and work Wayne has done over the years, including pics taken at National Apology Day (2008), the Garma Festival, and the Dreaming Festival, as well landscape images from Lake Eyre (SA), Kakadu National Park (NT) and the Central Desert. To check out Wayne’s work click here.

3. Significant dates: Unlike standard diaries which include ‘significant events’ like school holidays and public holidays, this diary is an educational tool with important information marked throughout informing it’s owner of significant moments in history. Learn about Mabo Day, the Freedom Rides, the Yirrkala Bark Petition and the celebration Australian Aboriginal cricket team of 1868. These are just a few moments among many, of course.

4. Language map: Perhaps the most innovative aspect of this diary is the fold-out AIATSIS map. So, it’s useful for people like me who travel extensively who need to always be aware of who’s country you’re on. I found the map a bonus!

5.  Stunning gift: The diary is spiral-bound hardcover book which is a keepsake and the perfect gift for Christmas, so I’m grateful that I can start my shopping as of NOW.

If you want to get a hold of the Australian Indigenous Diary for yourself or someone you think deserves something special,  you can order it on-line direct from Magabala Books here.