Dingo’s Dream and Tales From the Bush Mob
by Helen Milroy
Magabala Books
Interview with Helen Milroy
Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Helen.
I believe that you are part of the much-loved Sally Morgan’s family. Could you please tell us something about your family relationships and background.
In my family, we were brought up on stories so as kids we also made-up stories. We also told stories about each other and loved to laugh about all the silly things we did together. A good story can go a long way to create connection and shared experiences. That creative element has always stayed with me throughout my life.
You have a most impressive resume, including being named as 2021 Western Australian of the Year. Could you tell us about a few of the things you are involved in and some of the work of which you are most proud?
I have always loved working with children and their families. I have been very privileged to hear so many personal stories and share healing journeys. But the work I have enjoyed the most in recent years has been writing and illustrating my books. To see the characters come alive and for kids to love and enjoy them as much as I do is such a treat. I think I have taught a whole generation of children how to warble like magpies and reconnect with nature.
How does any of this tie in with your writing and illustrating?
Working for so long with kids has helped me to understand how they might respond to stories. Remembering always that kids are so unique and not mini-adults, always keeps me alert to how they might understand a story. While mental health services are so needed for some of our kids, I really hope that stories can also instil hope and resilience that can help with recovery and keeping kids strong for the future.
Dingo’s Dream is the sixth book in your Tales From the Bush Mob series for children (Magabala Books). What is your vision for this series? What is so unique or important about First Nations storytelling here?
Aboriginal storytelling is about everything being alive and in relationship with each other. It is an ecological framework which is why we can talk to the moon and dance with the stars. It is also about instilling insight, hope and autonomy. Allowing children to think about the story and decide for themselves how to understand and take meaning from the story. It assists with problem solving and coping. It is less instructional and more about understanding so the child can make sense of it from their own perspective.
‘Bush Mob’ is about how we develop as a community and overcome the difficulties we face whether it be surviving a natural disaster like a bushfire, or how we get along together and care for everyone. The series covers a number of issues and most of the solutions are there within nature or the community so long as we value everyone’s contributions. The series also introduces a number of Australian animals that children may not be so aware of such as the blind mole or a Tasmanian Devil. Each story highlights unique characteristics of different animals so children can identify with a number of different personalities and strengths.
How is Dingo different from some of the other protagonists in this series?
Dingo is the boss dog of the community and a kind and caring leader. He doesn’t give up even when he is not sure what or who he is looking for. The result of which is to rediscover his lost country and reconnect with his own story. Dingo is a much loved and strong character yet is gentle and compassionate. He is a wise leader and that is why he is chosen as boss dog.
What media and process do you use for your illustrations in the series?
I first started illustrating my books when flying back from meetings interstate so it had to be a digital medium that could travel. I found procreate on the IPad and I love it! You don’t have to wait for the paint to dry and you can take all your characters with you. Sometimes the story comes first and sometimes the images, but I hope all the stories can be seen through the words or the illustrations or both. I don’t plan the illustrations too far ahead as they just draw themselves as the story evolves. Sometimes if I plan too much, the images they don’t look right, and I have to redo them anyway.
How is your content and/or illustrative style in Dingo’s Dream different from Cloudmaker, your exceptional stand-alone picture book also published in 2025 by Magabala Books?
Dingo’s Dream is part of a series so there are already elements, landscapes and characters built into the story and illustrations. The series collectively will hopefully build resilience and knowledge for kids. I wanted kids to see themselves in the characters and build their insight and problem solving for the future. I would love to live with Bush Mob so I hope kids get that idea as well.
Cloudmaker was a unique story that came from thinking about my ancestors and what legacy they wanted to leave for us. Maybe because as I get older, I wonder what my legacy will be. This was a story that came through the process of deep listening, then the images appeared. There was a lot of tears and joy in writing and illustrating the story so I hope that can be felt by the readers.
What do you hope children remember about Cloudmaker and The Tales From the Bush Mob series?
From Cloudmaker: that hope is eternal and there will always be a rainbow after a heavy rain. That is the promise from the dreaming.
For Dingo’s Dream: Mother Earth will always wait for the return of her children and the connection to country can never be broken. We just have to look with our heart and spirit, and we will always find our way home.
What have you been reading that you would like to recommend?
I have been far too busy to read anything but academic papers, but I always love the books from James Foley and for younger ones, Katie Stewart. I find adult fiction too much like work and having spent many decades in mental health, real life is definitely more challenging than fiction.
Thanks for your responses, Helen. I greatly appreciate your talent and have been collecting your books for many years. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you.All the best with your books and endeavours.
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