1. Bigambul people (D34) (Qld SH56-01)
2. Emotions
3. Friendship
4. Mandandanji people (D44) (Qld SG55-16)
5. Reconciliation
6. Temptation

On the surface, Once There Was a Boy is a simple story about a lonely boy on an island who ultimately finds friendship. But there are many layers to this beautifully illustrated story. Leffler explores concepts of temptation, love, betrayal and reconciliation through a whimsical text and textured illustrations. He takes the concept of a broken heart and makes it real for child and adult readers alike. His images of sky and water, with their varying perspectives, create emotional impact, as Leffler explores difficult concepts in a clever, whimsical and heart-warming way.

This book was recognised in both the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards and the Deadly Awards. Dub Leffler is descended from the Bigambul and the Mandandanji people of south west Queensland.

1. Magabala Books Teaching Notes 'Once there was a Boy' https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0092/5043/9268/files/Once_there_was_a_boy_Teacher_Notes.pdf?2373
2. Reading Australian Lesson help notes 'Once there was a Boy' https://readingaustralia.com.au/lesson/once-there-was-a-boy/
3. Children’s Library Lady Teaching Resources for 'Once There Was a Boy' https://childrenslibrarylady.com/once-there-was-a-boy/
4. English Unit by Morgan Scottney-Turbill on Prezi for 'Once There Was a Boy' https://prezi.com/iwpyj6puiz86/english-unit/