A young willy wag-tail kicks off the question to his mother. How can I meet my ancestors you have said so much about? How can I speak with them, listen to their stories, learn from them who I am and to show me where to go?

His mother says that you have already met them. You hear them in the whistling of the wind in the trees. You feel them as you travel across Country. They are everywhere around you. They are the spirit and strength inside you.

Nedingar is written in both the Indigenous Noongar language and English. The illustrations pair perfectly with the beautiful understated story, soft and lyrical, highlighting the strength and power of Indigenous people’s connection to Country.

Just a lovely book.

Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 4+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isobel Bevis is a Wilman, Ballardong Noongar woman, born and raised in Collie, south-west of Western Australia. Currently living on Bindjareb boodja with her husband and three daughters. Raised in a large Noongar family, growing up on Wilman Country with a strong connection to Minninup River where her Ancestors are resting.

Nedingar is the first picture book from First Nations creators Isobel Bevis and Leanne Zilm. It is a simple story, told in Noongar and English, of a child in search of their Ancestors.

Reading Bevis’s words aloud in the Noongar language while poring over Zilm’s images of emus and wattle trees, quolls and red-tailed black cockatoos is beautiful. To help support pronunciation, readers can access a reading of the book in the Noongar language via a QR code.

This quietly powerful and poignant story explores themes of identity and empowerment. Its sparse and reassuring words open up a space for readers aged three and up to ask questions and interactively learn about the deep connection of First Nations people with their country and Ancestors.