Before going to bed one night, Nan recounts to her grandchildren, Sarah, Rene and Jay the story of the ‘Woordatj’ that hides in a cave at the family’s favourite picnic spot, Rocky Pool at Kuljak National Park. Red-eyed, hairy and with long arms and fingers, the job of the menacing ‘Woordatj’ is to ensure that children are well-behaved and listen to their elders otherwise he comes searching for them at sunset with his sugar bag in hand. When the family decide to go swimming at Rocky Pool the next day, Sarah stays close to Nan however her brothers wander off and soon find themselves in strife. More unusual happenings unsettle the family and then Sarah is certain that she sees a flash of red in a nearby cave. Direct and economic in style, ‘Barlay!’ exemplifies the use of story in conveying messages about respect for family and the environment. Half-page black-and-white monotone illustrations are scattered throughout this short chapter book. Noongar words for common animals and country are referenced throughout enhancing the narrative and capturing Nan’s voice as the storyteller.
The Waarda series for young readers is a Research Initiative between Fremantle Press and School of Indigenous Studies, University of Western Australia. Sally Morgan is the series editor.
Set in the hills amongst the tall gum trees and bushland of the Darling Scarp on the outskirts of Perth, Western Australia, this cautionary tale was inspired by the stories told to the author when she was a child and the stories that she has passed on to her own children. Cheryl Kickett-Tucker belongs to three areas of the Noongar people — Wadjuk (Swan River), Balladong (Wheatbelt) and Yued (Moora). Sally Morgan belongs to the Palyku people from the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia. Tracey Gibbs is a contemporary printmaker from Perth, Western Australia.
Series: Waarda series for young readers
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
