1. Babies
2. Ceremonies
3. Country
4. Culture
5. Family
6. Glossaries and vocabularies
7. Rites and ceremonies
8. Smoking ceremonies

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.

1. Interview with Jasmine Seymour by Megan Daley https://childrensbooksdaily.com/book-people-jasmine-seymour/
2. Interview with Jasmine Seymour at ABC Radio National https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sundayextra/the-year-that-made-me:-xxxxx,-xx/11646866
3. Welcoming Babies to Country: The Indigenous Ceremony Revived After 80 Years https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/09/welcoming-babies-to-country-the-indigenous-ceremony-revived-after-80-years
4. Blessedbeebooks interview by Serene Conneeley with Jasmine Seymour talking about her books, ‘Baby Business’ and ‘Cooee Mittigar’ https://www.blessedbeebooks.com/jasmine-seymour/