1. Adnyamathanha people L10 
2. Ancestors
3. Country
4. Creation
5. Culture
6. Dreaming
7. Endpapers
8. Glossaries and vocabularies
9. Identity
10. Indigenous knowledge
11. Indigenous languages

Told from the perspective of a young Adnyamathanha girl, ‘Dreaming’ explores some of the beliefs and values held by the Adnyamathanha people whose Country is in the Northern Flinders Ranges of South Australia

They use the word “Muda” to describe the complex, continuous cycle that connects the past, present, and future. The story begins with the Creation spirits, known as the Akurras, and tells how they shaped the landscape for all animals and people to live in. It then introduces the Law men, who came to instil knowledge, wisdom, and the laws that guide community life. Finally, the story turns to the present and the future, showing how the choices people make today shape and guide generations to come.

The authors acknowledge at the beginning of the book that the word ‘Dreaming’ is not traditionally used by Aboriginal people. However, they have chosen to use this word to introduce the “interconnectedness, complexity, and richness of the Creation stories and spirituality of Aboriginal culture.” The end papers of the book contain a simple picture glossary that translates Adnyamathanha words relating to the story into English. Readers can listen along to a reading of the story by scanning a QR code contained at the beginning of the book.

Author Adam Goodes is an Adnyamathanha and Narungga man, born in Wallaroo, South Australia. Adam is most well-known for his AFL career playing for the Sydney Swans. He achieved many accolades in this time, including two Brownlow Medals and two premiership wins. Adam was awarded Australian of the Year in 2014 in recognition of his leadership in the fight against racism and empowering the next generation of Indigenous role models. Adam cites his young daughter as his inspiration to write books that teach the younger generation and their families about Australia’s Frist Nations history.

Ellie Laing is a communications professional, with a background as a political advisor and journalist. Like Adam, she cites her son’s own learning of First Nations traditions and songs at school as inspiration to further help families discuss First Nations history.

The illustrator, David Hardy, is a Barkindji man, whose expertise includes eight years working at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. David's expressive illustration style brings warmth and vibrancy to the story, utilising highly emotive facial expressions to clearly convey the characters' feelings, making their emotions accessible and engaging for younger readers.

‘Dreaming’ is a part of the ‘Welcome to Our Country’ series. Other titles within the series include ‘Somebody’s Land,’ ‘Back on Country,’ ‘Walk With Us,’ and ‘Ceremony.’

Series title: Welcome to Our Country

1. ‘Welcome to Our Country’ series website https://welcometoourcountry.com.au/
2. Allen & Unwin Teacher’s Notes for ‘Dreaming’ by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, Illustrated by David Hardy https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/dimo.allenunwin.com/assets/teaching_resource/9781761065095.pdf?t=2509304919
3. Allen & Unwin ‘Dreaming’ Guide for Parents and Carers https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/dimo.allenunwin.com/assets/teaching_resource/9781761065095_1.pdf?t=2509304930
4. Allen & Unwin ‘Dreaming’ audio reading by Ellie Laing https://www.allenandunwin.com/dreaming
5. Better Reading, 7 Oct 2025. ‘3 Reasons Why You Should Read Dreaming: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes & Ellie Laing, Illustrated by David Hardy” https://www.betterreading.com.au/review/3-reasons-why-you-should-read-dreaming-welcome-to-our-country-by-adam-goodes-ellie-laing-illustrated-by-david-hardy/
6. ReadPlus, 21 Nov 2025. ‘Dreaming’ review by Fran Knight https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/dreaming
7. The Bottom Shelf, 21 Sep 2025. ‘Dreaming’ review by Barbara Braxton https://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/2025/09/21/dreaming-welcome-to-our-country/
8. Jajoo Warrngara-The Culture Classroom. ‘Adnyamthanha’ https://jajoowarrngara.org/community/adnyamathanha/
9. The Conversation ‘Friday essay: histories written in the land – a journey through Adnymathanha Yarta’ https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-histories-written-in-the-land-a-journey-through-adnyamathanha-yarta-124001