Brave Like Bunji, by debut author JAKE GABLONSKI and acclaimed illustrator SAMANTHA CAMPBELL, is a big-hearted story about identity, belonging, and wearing your true colours with pride.

Read a Q&A with Jake on where he got the idea for the story of Bunji and Wylla.

MEET JAKE GABLONSKI

What first inspired you to write Brave Like Bunji?

I have always loved writing, especially reflective writing. It’s a way I’ve always made sense of the world and shared parts of myself with others. Brave Like Bunji began as a reflection on my childhood, and on the people, environment (and animals) that shaped me growing up in the Northern Territory. I’ve always called Katherine my one true love, so the story is also a nod to the community and place that raised me, among it being about so many other things.

What does being brave mean to you, and how did that idea guide the story?

To me, being brave means being comfortable using my voice, no matter what other noise is around. It’s about not changing who I am to fit into an environment, and not being afraid to say what I need in order to be supported and take care of myself. Being brave is also about naming and communicating how I’m feeling, and that idea really guided the concept when shaping Bunji’s journey.

The rainbow lorikeet plays a central role in the story – what does it represent?

The lorikeet, Wylla,  is inspired by a bird we that became a pet when I was a child, Wally. Wally lived freely in our house, outside a cage and his loud squawk and bright, beautiful colours represented something I really wanted to take a snapshot of and pass on to young people, the importance of being proud of who you are and letting yourself be seen. It’s about showing your colours and embracing what makes you, you.

How has growing up in Katherine shaped the kinds of stories you feel drawn to tell?

I think growing up in Katherine gave me a really optimistic and grounded outlook on life and storytelling. I’m a Wiradjuri fella and I grew up off Country in Katherine, but being raised in a strong, close-knit community shaped how I see connection, belonging and how that relates to wellbeing. I’m drawn to stories that reflect warmth, care and strength, stories that touch hearts and remind people they are supported and valued.

What do you hope readers take away from Bunji’s journey?

I hope readers walk away feeling encouraged to be themselves and confident in using their voice, and have the language they need to communicate what they need.  I want children, especially, to know that being unique is something to celebrate, and that their feelings matter. If Bunji and Wylla’s journey helps even one reader feel a little braver or more understood, then it’s done its job. This story is also one for the families, educators, friends and anyone who walks beside young people navigating the world.

Where does your love of storytelling come from?

My biggest driver has always been positive impact. That comes from the stories and moments others have shared with me. The ones that really stuck, planted a seed, or shifted how I saw myself or saw the world. Storytelling is such a powerful tool. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you never truly know how your words might shape someone’s day, week, year, or even their life, and that responsibility is something I take seriously.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jake Gablonski is a Wiradjuri man and media personality who grew up in Katherine in the Northern Territory. He is a storyteller at heart with a personal passion for mental health, wellbeing, education and strengths-based community care. Jake often shares his voice as someone who belongs to both the First Nations and Rainbow communities, including those who sit at the intersection of both. His storytelling is shaped by lived experience, culture and a deep care for the power of feeling visible, strong and truly empowered.

Visit Jake Gablonski’s website here

Follow Jake Gablonski on Instagram here.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Samantha Campbell is a contemporary artist and award-winning illustrator. She is descended from the Dagoman people and lives in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) with her family. She draws on inspiration from her childhood experiences living in remote Aboriginal communities, and finds enjoyment illustrating nature and people in a variety of mediums.

Follow Samantha Campbell on Instagram here.

See our review of Samantha Campbell’s book Beach Song.

Read more about Brave Like Bunji on the publisher’s website here.