Children's paintings vividly illustrate the story of a flood destroying all the people of the earth. A bird sitting in its nest is tormented by boys, who pull its feathers out. Ta-Ta the frill-necked lizard asks what's wrong and summons Wanyjina who promises, 'I'll make the rain come and I'll let it pour down.' Ta-ta waves and dances, beckoning the rain clouds. 'Everyone was drowned, they say.'
The techniques of resist and etching are used by the students of Kalumburu Remote Community School to fully express the colour and movement of the story of Wanyjina. Readers may like to compare this text with 'Dunbi the Owl', the retelling published by Scholastic.
This is an easy bilingual reader: Kwini language text on one side of each spread and English on the other, so that neither language is privileged. Key vocabulary words are set in a text box on each page so children can learn individual words. A verbatim transcription of Mary’s original telling is given in the back of the book, as well as a pronunciation guide.
Author Mary Pandilo, also known as Rurruwala, could sing in Kwini, Gaambera, Spanish and Latin. Being 'in Kwini country and eating bush foods inspired Mary to tell the stories and brought back memories of some she had not told in Kwini for years.'
Kimberley Languages Resource Centre’s introduction to the book says: 'Language tells us who we are. Language reminds us of our responsibilities within our society and the proper way to do things. Language reminds us of where we have come from. Language makes us feel proud and strong and helps us understand, so we can know.'
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
