‘Come Together Again’ is the follow-on picture book to ‘Come together : Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples’ (2022). Here the topic, again presented by pop singer, Isaiah Firebrace, is an informative overview of First Nations music, song and dance. Each area’s importance to culture is highlighted along with well-known performers’ unique contributions.
First Nations People music artists in pop, country and opera feature as well as dancers across contemporary, ballet and hip-hop styles. Brief profiles of First Nations People involved of these areas are provided highlighting their particular achievements and contribution.
An appealing strength are details of Indigenous musical instruments including how the ‘bullroarer’ is made and how eucalyptus leaves can produce a whistling sound. There is a survey of well-known singers, like Uncle Archie Roach and Uncle Kutcha Edwards, alongside pop, country and rock stars. Both recent performers, like Jessica Mauboy, and older achievers feature. First Nations dancers include the range of achievers from the Djirri Djirri Dancers and the Bangarra Dance Theatre through to Ella Havelka, the First Nations dancer to join the Australian Ballet. A final section profiles music, song and dance of Torres Strait Islanders, including how musical instruments like the warup and kulap are made and played. What ‘sit-down’ dancers do concludes this fascinating overview of performers, both well-known and newcomers to the scene.
Illustrations by Jaelyn Biumaiwai feature a bold, simple and striking design. Each page offers a solid-coloured background with contrasting and variously coloured fonts. The large, landscape page design offers opportunities to share highlights of these creative arts with small groups.
Isaiah Firebrace is a Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man who grew up on the banks of the Murray River.
Isaiah’s life changed after winning the X Factor in 2016 on his 17th birthday. Isaiah represented Australia at Eurovision and has appeared on Australian television. He has toured the country in his commitment to mentoring and changing the lives of First Nations youth.
Jaelyn Biumaiwai is a self-taught illustrator. She is of Mununjali and Fijian ancestry and creates on Kombumerri Country, Gold Coast. She has a passion for First Nations and Pasifika culture and communities, which are reflected in her work. Her first book as a published illustrator was ‘Heroes, Rebels and Innovators’ by Karen Wyld. Keisha Leon, a Waanyi and Kalkadoon woman, is an artist and designer who links art to her identity and life.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
