The women in the mob hold a smoking ceremony to connect baby to Country – to care for Country (Nura) as Country cares for baby - and protect the child (Gurung) from sickness and bad spirits. Repetition of the refrain “Warm smoke from the fire” creates a lullaby effect and leads to recognition of the parts of the body touched by the smoke. Smoke on the feet connect to Country; smoke on the chest and heart are a reminder of loving care; smoke on hands exhorts us to take only what is needed; smoke on the mouth reflects language; smoke on the ears is emblematic of the bee totem. This ceremony is the first gentle lesson in law.
The illustrations are created digitally and use a muted, warm colour palette to recreate an almost mystical bush setting. A brief glossary of Language is included. Darug woman Jasmine Seymour’s debut picture book addresses one child but is inclusive and can also be read as a parable of Aboriginal Australians' affinity with Country.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
