Bindi by Kirli Saunders & Dub Leffler

Inside the CBCAShortlist “My cousins, Elsie, Omeo and I sit in these gatheringsby our parents’ sides,the garrall on my shoulder. Often, the Elders come to say wedayo to the budjan.” (Bindi) Bindi (Magabala Books) is an enlightening verse novel by Gunai Woman and award-winning poet and writer Kirli Saunders. It is a lovely blend of […]

Guwayu – For All Times: A Collection of First Nations Poems

Guwayu – For All Times: A Collection of First Nations Poems Commissioned by Red Room Poetry Edited by Jeanine Leane Published by Magabala Books Guwayu features poems by well-known and acclaimed poets such as Ellen van Neerven, Samuel Wagan Watson, Evelyn Araluen, Ali Cobby Eckermann and Bruce Pascoe as well as exciting new voices. Interview […]

‘Found’ by Bruce Pascoe & Charmaine Ledden-Lewis

“The man had stolen my mother.” (‘Found’) Found (Magabala Books) is Bruce Pascoe’s first picture book for children. It is illustrated by Kestin Indigenous Illustration Award winner, Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, and tells the fable-like tale of a calf who is alone. When the calf’s family are herded into the back of a truck, the calf escapes. […]

Living on Stolen Land by Ambelin Kwaymullina

“This story begins with the tree on the cover which shows futures The roots go deep down into the ground because just futures must be grounded in respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples Indigenous homelands Indigenous sovereignties“ (Living on Stolen Land) Living on Stolen Land is written by Ambelin Kwaymullina who belongs to the Palyku people […]

Benevolence by Julie Janson

“She thinks she can be in two worlds and not have to choose.” (Benevolence) Benevolence is a searing, unforgettable work for adults and mature young adults by Julie Janson, a Burruberongal woman of the Darug Aboriginal Nation and award-winning playwright. It is published by Magabala Books. Although not easy to read because of the unconscionable […]

Books for Young Children from Magabala

Counting our Country by Jill Daniels Counting our Country is a counting book written in both English and the Aboriginal Ritharrŋu language, which is part of the Yolŋu language family from South-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. It is formatted as a board book for very young children and is illustrated in bold, bright […]

Jannali Jones and My Father’s Shadow

My Father’s Shadow (Magabala Books) is a riveting, unputdownable YA thriller. I rarely say this, but I simply couldn’t stop reading it. High praise, particularly since this is Jannali’s debut novel. Thank you for speaking to Paperbark blog, Jannali. Thanks, Joy. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the book. What is your background and where […]

Our Birds: Ŋilimurruŋgu Wäyin Malanynha by Siena Stubbs

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Our Birds: Ŋilimurruŋgu Wäyin Malanynha (Magabala Books) is written by 15-year-old Yolŋu girl Siena Mayutu Wurmarri Stubbs. She introduces herself by saying, “my malk, or skin, is Gutjan, I am a Gumatj girl from the Yirritja moiety.” The book is set in Arnhem Land, where she lives, and its creation enabled […]

Black Cockatoo by Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Black Cockatoo (Magabala Books) is written by Jaru & Kija man Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler and is illustrated by Dub Leffler, who also illustrated Sorry Day, which is shortlisted in the CBCA Eve Pownall category. It is a memorable story about an Aboriginal family living in the Kimberley. Thirteen-year-old Mia […]