Melissa Greenwood, My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine), ABC Books, May 2023, 24 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780733342998
As the sun shines throughout the day,
it warms your cheeks while we play.
As the sun sets in the evening sky,
say, ‘Yaarri Yarraang, goodbye.’
Melissa Greenwood’s second picture book is a gentle bedtime story celebrating the connection between mother, child, and nature. Told from the mother’s voice, we say goodnight to the setting sun, hello to the Moon and thank-you to the night skies. Giidany (the Moon) guides mother and child together to connect and give thanks before drifting off to sleep. Tomorrow will be another day of meeting creatures, discovering waterholes, and spending special times with family.
Beautiful illustrations in warm, soothing tones compliment the lyrical text. Melissa Greenwood’s contemporary artwork reflects the natural world and celebrates her heritage as a Gumbaynggirr custodian with strong ties to Bundjalung and Dunghutti. My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) includes Gumbaynggirr words sprinkled through the text, and a full translation at the end of the book.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
