AUTHOR: Leonie Norrington
ARTIST: Dee Huxley
STORY: You and Me: Our place is about how old and new exist side by side in Australian indigenous culture - the blending of the contemporary and the traditional and it is about family and diversity. The book beautifully shows a part of aboriginal life today and how the old fellas feel as well as the young ones.
It is about two young boys, with their Uncle Tobias, fishing and collecting food at the river and mangroves and their extended family living at the edge of Darwin on the outskirts of the city. We have a glimpse into their everyday life. The story ends with the boys playing happily on a beach crowded with people from all walks of life.
BOOK LOVE: I love it because it depicts a clear picture, to young readers, about how part of the aboriginal culture and Australian culture is now, not in the past.
ILLUSTRATIONS: Vibrant and organic, fluid shapes drawn in pastel and pencil on coloured paper by Dee Huxley. She captures the characters and the essence of the landscape brilliantly.
In the image below you can see the water alive with creatures including dolphins, sting rays, lobsters and jellyfish.
SNIPPET: Old Isaac sings Slim Dusty on a three
-stringed guitar.
Auntie Ruby pulls a hospital towel
around her because her dress is torn.
RECOMMENDED: for 4 year olds an older
AWARDS: Short-listed for Children's Book Council Award
PUBLISHER: Working Title Press
Teacher's Notes: Indigenous peoples: Junior Primary English, Year 3
Bush tucker for 5 + includes edible plants, nuts, tubers, fruits, seafood and game.
Bush tucker slides of children eating bush tucker.
Aboriginal Art activities for kids.
Talk about family and extended family.
Aboriginal Art activities for kids.
Talk about family and extended family.