7 traditional Dreamtime stories and books by indigenous Australian authors
The history of our nation is a messy one, and a hard one to discuss with small children – but it’s important that we seek the truth and nurture kindness in young Australians.
This week (27 May to 3 June) is National Reconciliation Week – a chance for the Australian community to come together to learn about the community and history of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
If you’re looking for a good way to do this, stories have a wonderful ability to start spreading awareness, appreciation and respect for the culture of our traditional landowners.
In the ‘Stories’ section of the Kinderling app, there’s ‘Deadly Stories’ section, devoted to sharing traditional Dreamtime stories and books by indigenous Australian authors. If you’re keen for your child to start hearing these stories, download the app and check out the full list. Otherwise, we’ve rounded up a few favourites here!
1. How Frogmouth Found Her Home
By Ambelin Kwaymullina, from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Frogmouth is searching for a new place to nest, but nothing is quite right. She helps other animals find their true homes, but will she find hers? A story about friendship, family and identity.
Listen now:
2. Dreamers
By Ezekiel Kwaymullina, who is from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
This beautiful story uses vivid language to celebrate the imagination of children. They may be small, but they are connected to their world – its stories and its songs – in a wonderful and special way.
Listen now:
3. Black Snake
By Aunty Jacinta Tobin, a musician and Darug descendant of the Aboriginal people of the Greater Sydney Region.
This is a traditional D’harawal Dreaming story about how the red-bellied black snake got its fangs. Before listening, talk to your kids about how the traditional landowners of Australia used to make up stories to make sense of the world around them.
Listen now:
4. Caterpillar and Butterfly
By Ambelin Kwaymullina, from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Another story by the wonderful Ambelin Kwaymullina, and this one is about a caterpillar that is afraid of everything! Listen as she goes on a journey of self-discovery and courage.
Listen now:
5. Little Koala Lost
By Blaze Kwaymullina, who belongs to the Palyku and Nyamal peoples of the Pilbara region in north-west Western Australia.
A little koala is trying to find his way home, but on the way, he meets all sorts of animals. This sweet counting book is set in the Australian bush and will help kids learn about our native landscape and animals.
Listen now:
6. We All Sleep
By Ezekiel Kwaymullina, who is from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and Sally Morgan, from the Palyku and Nyamal peoples of the Pilbara in Western Australia.
What better way to fall asleep than with a bedtime story set in the Australian bush!
Listen now:
7. Don’t Wake The Dingo
By award-winning Australian First Nations author/illustrator Sally Morgan, from the Palyku and Nyamal peoples of the Pilbara in Western Australia.
Seeking shelter from a wild storm, a few sodden animals sneak anxiously past sleeping Dingo. But what will happen when he wakes up?
Listen now:
This post was originally published on Kinderling Kids Radio. Download the Kinderling app for more great stories.
