1. Animals
2. Counting
3. Numbers
4. Plants
5. Teaching

This vibrantly coloured picture book incorporates Aboriginal artwork with introducing numbers from one to ten, and is just the right size and shape for small hands. Children will enjoy counting the native flora and fauna which appear on each page, and spotting familiar Australian animals such as kangaroos, a cockatoo, and emus. There is also an opportunity for young children to learn about various types of Australian plants they may not yet be familiar with. The use of bright colours to depict the animals and plants conveys an almost tactile quality, inviting young children to reach out to touch the pages as they count. Use of this book in an early childhood setting may open up discussion about Aboriginal art techniques, Australian bush food and plants, and Australian animal habitats. The above learning opportunities may also encompass STEM activities.

This picture book celebrates Aboriginal culture and our native wildlife.

Artist Patsty Mudgedell is an artist from the Warlayirty Artists community. She was born at Ruby Plains Station in WA and grew up in Balgo Hills Mission.

1. Japingka Aboriginal Art. Interview with Patsy Mudgedell. ‘About Authority, Authenticity and Spiritual Awakening.’ https://japingkaaboriginalart.com/articles/about-authority-authenticity-and-spiritual-awakening/
2. Kidsparkz. ‘Australian Animals Trace and Count.’ https://www.kidsparkz.com/uploads/5/2/3/4/52340669/australian_animals_count_and_trace_free.pdf
3. Australian Museum Learning resources for topics including culture, natural history and science https://australian.museum/learn/teachers/learning/