Bernard Namok Jnr and Thomas Mayo (text) and Tori-Jay Mordey (illustrator), Our Flag, Our Story: The Torres Strait Islander Flag, Magabala Books, May 2024, 32 pp., RRP $27.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761381010
Our Flag, Our Story: The Torres Strait Islander Flag is co-written by two authors, but narrated by Bernard Namok Jnr, whose father designed the flag. Whilst explaining the symbols and history of the Torres Strait Islander flag, this book also celebrates its people and customs, their differences and connections, raising the profile of these Australians.
This is a highly accessible text. The writing is economical and succinct, imparting information about the flag – why it was created, the design choices of elements and colour, and what it means to the Torres Strait Islanders.
However, it is much more than that. A second layer to the book offers glimpses into the people’s life on the islands – the environment, flora and fauna, activities and traditional dress and ceremonies. There is more detailed information towards the back of the book which is suitable for older students, explaining the history of the island, their language and some of their festivals and celebrations.
Design has been carefully considered, and the book grabs the reader’s attention immediately, with gloss lamination on the front cover, and stunning endpapers depicting a tropical island, embraced by Frangipani trees. Mordey’s vibrant illustrations are simple and clear and reflect the text. They fill the pages with colour and life, imparting further information and showing the islands animals and plants, its people, depicted as stylized cartoon characters.
This book is suitable children aged 4 to 12 years old and is a must for primary school libraries and educational settings.
Teacher support material for this text will be available from Magabala when completed.
Reviewed by Bronwyn Joseph
