June Nixon, Kurrartuwarnti (Brolgas), Pan Macmillan Australia, Feb 2024, 7 pp., RRP $14.99 (board), ISBN 9781922592545
June Nixon celebrates First Nations traditional storytelling in an enlightening book that tells the story of a family of Brolgas, in both English and Walmajarri. Kurrartuwarnti (Brolgas) is a thoughtful book that extends to both cultures through language and illustrations.
Having always had a passion connecting First Nations children with their indigenous languages, June passes on this story as it was passed on to her – a simple story about the land and animals. It’s easy enough for children to follow, but the story also has a profound meaning about the connection to the land, a deep regard for the animals, and respect for the culture from which the story emerged.
June Nixon has delivered a fun and bilingual children’s book to help preserve the First Nations Language and encourage insight into life in a remote community.
Consider too Jirntipirriny jaa Lamparn Parri (Willy Wagtail and the Little Boy) by June Nixon, which is also written in Walmajarri and English.
Reviewed by Lauren Harcombe
