Jirrbal: rainforest dreamtime stories

Maisie (Yarrcali) Barlow & Michael (Boiyool) Anning 

Magabala Books

2001 $24.95

59p hc

ISBN: 1-875641-06-8

Type: Picture Book

If youre looking for a picture book with everything then this is probably as close as you are going to get! Four delightful stories, each with its own moral or meaning; perfect illustrations - that go wonderfully with the stories and themes; the story of the authors life in simple, easy to read language for children; and even a small dictionary at the back with Jirrbal to English and English to Jirrbal translations so you can learn a little bit of Jirrbal yourself!

Jirrbal includes four Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, each told simply with smatterings of Jirrbal - the language of the authors own tribe! In the stories we are told, in the aboriginal way, why the dew falls on the grass; why the birds are many coloured, and why we should be obedient to our parents!

The stories are worded simply, and sometimes are not grammatically correct, but this adds to the character of the book, and lends itself to the frequent, accompanying pictures which are many coloured and very authentic!

This book is a marvellous read, and a feast for the eyes as well. Although recommended for six to ten year olds on the back cover, it also states, rightly, that its a treat for all ages.

Caitlin, aged 15, Canberra, ACT