1. Arnhem Land (N.T.)
2. Bilingual books
3. Cultural diversity
4. Didgeridoos
5. Glossaries and vocabularies
6. Gunbalunya /​ Oenpelli (West Arnhem Land NT SD53-01)
7. Indigenous languages
8. Kunwinjku people (N65) (NT SD53-02)
9. Monsoons
10. School children
11. Seasons

'Ernie Dances to the Didgeridoo' is a part of the 'Clive Eats Alligators' series of picture books. This one is about Ernie, who moves to Arnhem Land for a year with his parents, who are working at the hospital. The story is structured around the six seasons, and all the activities the local children do during those times. Alternate spreads contain six separate illustrations and captions about the local children’s activities, alternating with a highlight double spread focusing on one particular story. For example, in the monsoon season, children surf; slide; catch frogs; play football; spear a barramundi; ride a bike; and watch a goanna floating on the floodwaters. The pictures and captions are presented as letters back to Ernie’s friends at his original school.

Ultimately the story circles back to someone from school acknowledging his letters and wondering what HE is doing. The final illustration shows Ernie bopping along and enjoying himself in a uniquely cross-cultural way.

There are two short glossaries: one of Kunwinjku and one of English terms. The illustrations are detailed and delightful, and the book was created by the much-loved Australian illustrator, Alison Lester, in consultation with Upper Primary students at Gunbalanya School. The book was shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award, Early Childhood in 2001.

1. Teaching Resources. Little Big Book Club https://www.thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/sites/thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/files/files/title_resource/2_-_3_years__-_ernie.pdf
2. Video about the seasons in the Top End: Our Seasons, Millner Animations https://vimeo.com/channels/646158
3. Places in the Northern Territory referenced in the story. The Book Trail. https://www.thebooktrail.com/book-trails/ernie-dances-to-the-didgeridoo/
4. Lesson Plan - Writing a text about the seasons. Australian Curriculum Lessons. https://www.australiancurriculumlessons.com.au/2014/03/24/creating-a-text-about-the-seasons-a-writing-lesson-for/