Four picture books feature in Magabala Books’ ‘Our Place’ series, with the first two published in 2020. Family, the second in the series, is the art of brevity. It introduces aspects of Aboriginal People’s culture through illustrations that evoke contemplation and sharing of ideas. Both words and illustrations focus on children. The aim is to engage children in understanding family and its role in sharing culture. The storytelling images include family storytelling and songs, listening to the wise ones – Uncles, Elders and Ancestors, caring for the environment, and exploring ties that bind generations, such as rock art images.
Few words appear and those that do are strongly visual. Gold, russet and wine colours predominate in these Illustrations which fill each double page spread with familiar motifs, storytelling symbols, flowers, trees and birds with children and adults engaged in activities together. An example of visual storytelling captured in words includes the following: ‘twisting gum, rushing river and sighing sea’. Words capture the viewer’s attention and provoke imaginative thought through scenes such as playing footy and inspecting rock art. The series, taken as a collection, aims to involve deep thinking and provoke discussion between children and adults.
Aunty Fay Muir is a Senior Boon Wurrung and Wamba Wamba Elder. Sue Lawson writes young adult and children’s books recognised for their sensitive exploration of growing up. Illustrator Jasmine Seymour is a Darug writer, artist and teacher who has illustrated other picture books.
Series: Our Place no 2
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
