When Ros Dodson was a child, her family called her ‘Possum’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language – this translates as ‘Whela’. On becoming a mother, Ros took on the kin name of ‘BurWhela’ meaning ‘mother possum’.

Kiki, or stories, have been told and retold by her ancestors over generations. As Burwhela says, ‘These are stories of our kinship network, our mob’s traditional history. They teach ways to live in harmony, with a holistic belief system, where spirituality and kinships between land, animals and people are interconnected.’

This collection contains four creation stories set around the Loddon River in Victoria: how the freshwater crayfish made the backwater channels of the Loddon River, how that crayfish got its bright red spots, how the moon came to light up the night sky, and how the ringtail possum came to have a curly tail.

Mooie’s Stories is a beautifully illustrated book, with the rich warm colours of the land dominating. Dreamtime stories are so valuable and teach much, including a new way of looking at our world. As the author says, a lore for living. This is a worthy addition to the library of First Nation stories. More please.

Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 5+