Unifying the beauty of the land with matters of the heart, Brave Like Bunji connects young readers deeply to their sense of self in a modern Dreamtime storytelling journey.

Belonging to both First Nations and Rainbow communities, Jake Gablonski tells a story of finding your voice and speaking your truth through Bunji – a boy afraid to refuse footy with his schoolmates when he’d rather jump rope.

An embarrassing moment leads Bunji to the riverbank, where his adventure with rainbow lorikeet, Wylla, begins. A breathtaking flight together over the ‘wish-wish’ of the waterfalls and where the rocks support the water’s path at Nitmiluk Gorge teaches Bunji to recognise the comforting beat of his heart, and that help is all around. I love the metaphors used to tie the wonders of the earth to our bodies and community. Samantha Campbell’s vivid digital pencil and pastel illustrations sparkle with a ‘rainbow’ of colour and movement across a mix of stunning double-spread landscapes and experiential vignettes. Her artwork is deliberately strong, rhythmic, and proud, just the same way Bunji feels in the end.

This is a heartwarming, affirming story showing children from age four the power of belonging in a safe space where you can share your true colours.

Reviewed by Romi Sharp
Age Guide 4+

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

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.