This delightfully repetitive, rhyming picture book text accompanied by extremely fluid illustrations is a perfect vehicle for reading aloud and acting out with children. Based on the visit by author and illustrator to three northern Indigenous communities – Wugularr, Barunga and Manyalalluk – to workshop words and drawings, this exuberant work is a celebration of childhood and community life. Any child will identify with this three-year-old boy who is so very proud of his growing sense of independence and of his accomplishments such as running, jumping, swinging, and bumping!
The changing perspective from which each image is viewed adds vivacity and meaning to the text. Unremarked upon are the background images accurately depicting aspects of daily life in an Aboriginal community, and lurking dangers such as the crocodile. The ochre colour of the pages also suggests the blistering heat of the outback landscape. An Honour Book in the CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year Awards 2011, this book has universal appeal for young children.
Leonie Norrington and Dee Huxley visited three northern communities, Wugularr, Barunga and Manyalalluk, to workshop words and drawings for this book.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
