1. Animals
2. Bush
3. Counting
4. Country
5. Dingoes
6. Environmental protection
7. Introduced species
8. Literary devices
9. Numbers

A dingo dashes through the pages of this colourful picture book, building up a sense of anticipation as we wonder where he is going. The repetition of the text invites young listeners to join in the narrative and to delight in the use of alliteration as we meet ‘nosy numbats,’ ‘gleeful gliders,’ and various other Australian animals. The final page reveals dashing dingo’s destination, providing a delightful surprise for curious young readers and listeners.

Along the journey, young children will enjoy counting, recognising and naming Australian animals and reptiles. This book provides a gentle introduction to learning about animal habitats and the concept of home; counting to ten; phonemic awareness; and environmental concerns – such as introduced species, ecological issues and taking care of the environment.

The illustrations are full of bright colour which bursts off the pages. The detail within the illustrations invites the young reader to linger over and explore each page. Art techniques, such as mixing shades of paint for contrast, can be explored. The final ‘Hide and Seek’ page invites readers to find images of both Aboriginal objects and introduced species within each page. Sally Morgan belongs to the Palyku people from the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia. Ambelin Kwaymullina is a writer and illustrator from the Palyku people of the Pilbara in the North West region of Western Australia.

1. YouTube readaloud by with Uncle Derrick of ‘Bush Bash’, 4 min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWY2LlQArTg
2. YouTube readaloud by Samantha Rosenfeld of ‘Bush Bash’, 1 min 56sec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTOkPYsyaNU
3. Koorie Curriculum 5 Oct 2020 by Jessica Stains reviews ‘Top Sally Morgan Books’ https://kooricurriculum.com/blogs/news/top-sally-morgan-books?srsltid=AfmBOop5jRLPQ_e8QFpH_2eaDJjOhefuSH1m_C1VXXCRGeeIxSF-yYya
4. State Library of Western Australia. Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program ‘Deadly Books for Little Kids 0-5’ https://www.better-beginnings.com.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/Deadly%20Books%20for%20Little%20Kids%20A4.pdf
5. Kid Lit Joy YouTube provides brief comments on a range of ‘Indigenous Picture Books on My Shelf’ (NAIDOC Week) 11 min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNiYYykG3c8