In the first pages of this large picture book, we meet our author, Isaiah Firebrace. He tells us he is a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjamara man who grew up on the banks of the Murray River. He says that when he was growing up he wasn’t taught very much about the culture of his ancestors. So now he wants everyone who reads his book to understand more about First Nations people.

The author talks about ceremonies and rituals, which bring the people together. He tells us the First Nations people were the first inventors in the world: canoes, axes, hammers and the boomerang. He covers astronomy, songlines, clans language, and much more.

He shares his favourite dreamtime story, and teaches us about the two flags that represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders. He covers the stolen generations and how we are home to the longest continuing culture on Earth.

This book is clever. Its large text makes it accessible for the young, but every word has been carefully chosen to teach and to learn.

I have read many books on indigenous people for children, but this is one the best and one of my most favourite.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 6+

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hailing from just outside Melbourne, along the banks of the Murray River, Isaiah first stepped into the spotlight in 2016 when he was crowned winner of the eighth season of The X Factor Australia. Since then he’s grabbed global attention for his #1 single ‘It’s Gotta Be You’, which is now certified Platinum in Australia, 2 x Platinum in Sweden, Gold in Norway and Gold in Denmark.

2017 was a big year for Isaiah; he performed in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final with his single ‘Don’t Come Easy’, toured nationally with his friend & mentor Jessica Mauboy, and completed his first European press junket with stops across Scandinavia, the UK, Belgium, and France. Isaiah’s music has been streamed over 200 million times worldwide.

Listen to Isaiah Firebrace’s music on YouTube

MEET THE ILLUSTRATOR

Jaelyn Biumaiwai is a self-taught illustrator. She is of Mununjali and Fijian ancestry, and creates on Kombumerri Country, Gold Coast. She has a passion for First Nations and Pasifika culture and communities, and this is reflected in the work she does. She is also already a published illustrator, through the book Heroes, Rebels and Innovators by Karen Wyld.