Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth

Melissa Greenwood, Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth, ABC Books: An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, May 2022, 24 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780733341632 

Melissa Greenwood’s debut picture book is a beautiful love letter from mother to child. It explores the connection between mothers, babies and Miimi Marral, Mother Earth. It celebrates the reciprocal love and protection between people and the earth. The soft, sparse text is accompanied by painted illustrations which the author describes as ‘contemporary with a cultural lens and deeply personal’. The colour palette is feminine and earthy, which enhances the book’s themes.  

The book also contains explanatory text about the author, her language, and cultural beliefs. Melissa Greenwood is a Gumbaynggirr custodian and some Gumbaynggirr words are used in the story. Miimi Marral, Mother Earth has been shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2022 (Birth to Three Years). 

This gorgeous book is most suitable for babies and young children, and will particularly appeal to mothers. Miimi Marral, Mother Earth would make a wonderful gift for a new or expecting mother.  

Reviewed by Laura Holloway 

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