‘Jagina ja-ma na-Juya? – Wanim ola Enimurl duim? – What do Animals do? asks a variety of animals “what do they do? And each respond with a simple explanatory such as ‘Me, I float’ says the jellyfish and ‘Me, I sharpen my horns’ says the buffalo. Each question and answer are in the Mangarrayi language from the Roper River region of the Northern Territory, Kriol and English. The book includes on the back cover QR codes that allows the story to be heard in both Mangarrayi and Kriol.
The book has a neat square format ideal for reading aloud and sharing with young children who could be encouraged to create their own responses or name other animals and guess at their response.
The illustrations are lively and richly coloured and are a clever return and reuse from an earlier ILF publication ‘No Way Yirrikipayi’ created by children of Milikapiti School and facilitated by Alison Lester.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation believe it is important that First Nations children see themselves, their language and their Culture reflected in the books they read. Having books that share local stories in First Languages, preserves and maintains Indigenous languages and culture, as well as builds pride, identity and strengthens a sense of belonging, confidence and wellbeing. The Mangarrayi language is considered critically endangered and this book assists in keeping the language alive for future generations.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
