‘Wanhaka Yothu Yiŋani? is written in Dhuwaya Yolŋu Matha, the first language of Yolŋu children at Yirrkaka School in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
The book’s neat square format makes it ideal for reading and sharing with young children. The humourous and engaging text employs verse and repetition with an air of mystery as readers ask, ‘But where is the baby snake?’ in similar way to Mem Fox’s ‘Where is the Green Sheep.’
The luscious richly coloured illustrations were created by the children of Milikaptiti School from Melville Island in the Tiwi Island group. They are a clever return and reuse from an earlier ILF publication ‘No Way Yirrikipayi’, a project facilitated by Alison Lester with the students of Milikapiti School.
At the end of the book is an English translation of the Dhuwaya text and on the back cover is a QR code that takes you to a reading of the book in the both the Dhuwaya language and English.
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.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
