Country Tells Us When… (Tsheena Cooper, Mary Dann, Dalisa Pigram-Ross & Sheree Ford, ILF)

Country Tells Us When… follows the feelings, smells, sights, tastes and sounds of Yawuru Country changing with each season, written and illustrated by educators Tsheena Cooper, Mary Dann, Dalisa Pigram-Ross, Sheree Ford with translations by Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga Language Centre with Dalisa Pigram-Ross, for all children to absorb and utilise in their lives. This heart-warming story of the Yawuru six seasons from in and around Rubibi (the town of Broome) features an array of rich block-printed animals accompanied by words of language. As the ngugngug (dark storm clouds) gather it’s Man-gala time, the nimanburr (flying fox) streaks across the soft-blue skies. When it’s Marrul time, the ngamagarri (white cockatoo) feed their chicks and suckle on new blooms. As the seasons begin again, a happy Yawuru family sits together on their Country with content smiles. The curious creatures and the writers’ fond storytelling against the backdrop of the striking colours of the Kimberleys aim to empower First Nations communities and teach young readers about the ever-changing world around them. Country Tells Us When… is a joyful feast for the eyes and an enlightening and essential resource for the next generations of little caretakers of Rubibi and its vibrant wildlife.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Maya Hodge is a freelance writer and has recently completed the Open Books internship. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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