1. Board books
2. Families
3. Indigenous languages
4. Love
5. Parent and child
6. Play
7. Sleep

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has undertaken a project to translate into at least fourteen First Nations languages several well-known early childhood literature titles such as ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and ‘Where is the Green Sheep’. Seeing your First Nation’s language in published books is important in developing identity, pride, culture and a connection to Country and community and provides a strong message about the importance of acknowledging and maintaining the language.

One title selected is Helen Oxenbury’s ‘Say Goodnight’ which is a simple happy story and an excellent book to share with the very young. Featuring four double page spreads, it is beautifully illustrated. Each illustration shows the everyday activities of a group of culturally diverse young babies interacting with family members, playing on swings and finally sleeping soundly and comfortably in their bed.

Currently the book is available in three First Nations languages. The Garawa translation is by Daphne Mawson, Katie Mawson and Alan Baker. The Kriol translation is by Josie Lardy and Denise Angelo. The Ngaanyatjarra translation is by Beryl Jennings. Other languages may become available in the future.

Helen Oxenbury is a London based illustrator. She has won the UK’s prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration twice and been a runner-up four times.

1. Indigenous Literacy Foundation 3 August 2022. ‘Say Goodnight’ by Helen Oxenbury translated into First Nations languages. https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousLiteracyFoundation/posts/8005325406175232/?
2. Indigenous Literacy Foundation 21 June 2023. ‘5 reasons why kids deserve access to books in First languages.’ https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/news-events/5-reasons-why-kids-deserve-access-to-books-in-first-languages
3. National Indigenous Times 7 October 2022. Callan Morse. ‘Much- loved children’s classic ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ translated into six First Nations languages.’ https://nit.com.au/07-10-2022/4030/much-loved-childrens-classic-the-very-hungry-caterpillar-translated-into-six-first-nations-languages
4. 96three FM Blog by Georgia Free. ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and other kids classics, now in First Nations languages.’ https://www.96three.com.au/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-and-other-kids-classics-now-in-first-nations-languages/
5. Publishers Weekly. ‘Books by Helen Oxenbury and Complete Book Reviews.’ https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/authorpage/helen-oxenbury.html
6. The Guardian 21 December 2018. Lisa Allardice interviews ‘Helen Oxenbury, ’Helen Oxenbury: ‘I used to hide books from my children – I couldn’t bear to read them again’ https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/dec/21/helen-oxenbury-life-illustration-motherhood