Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country

by Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal, Leah Leaman

A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country is a fascinating, illustrated science book that takes kids inside the life of termites through storytelling from the Gurindji People.   Did you know there are four types of termite poo? Or that a warm paste made from termite mound is used to strengthen a Gurindji baby’s body and spirit? Or that spinifex (which termites eat) is one of the strongest plants in the world?   Created as a collaboration between over 30 First Nations and non-Indigenous contributors, the story and artworks explore how termites and their mounds connect different parts of Country, from tiny Gurindji babies and their loving grandmothers, to spiky spinifex plants growing in the hot sun.   Written in traditional Gurindji, Gurindji Kriol and English (with a QR code to an audio version spoken in language), Tamarra is a truly original story with beautiful artwork that takes readers on an educational and cultural journey through Gurindji Country.   Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years.  

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2023

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning collaboration that explores termites in northern Australia and their significance to the Indigenous inhabitants of Gurindji Country. No description provided can do justice to the overall design of the book to introduce local language and customs as well as provide fascinating facts about termites. The considered use of colour to differentiate between languages and identify glossary terms, the layout of each double page with vivid artwork on one side and the text with supporting photographs and paintings on the other side combine and compliment each other throughout. A QR code will take the reader to an audio reading of the book in both Gurindji and Gurindji Kriol. The book concludes with a fascinating account of the community collaborations to bring this book publication.

Although an information book the picture book design and presentation make this highly accessible.
Love it!
Shortlisted for the 2024 CBCA Eve Pownall award