Discover Ambelin Kwaymullina’s Award-Winning Picture Book Series

Ambelin Kwaymullina is an Aboriginal writer and illustrator who comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She is the author and illustrator of a number of award-winning picture books as well as a YA dystopian series. Her books have been published in the United States, South Korea and China. Ambelin is a prolific commentator on diversity in children’s literature and a law academic at the University of Western Australia.

The first book in Kwaymullina’s series, Caterpillar and Butterfly, was first published in 2010 and sets the tone for the whole series. Each book explores a magical world where fears are conquered, hearts find balance and reflections reveal our inner strength. Collect them all for a wonderful gift to be read, re-read, and treasured for years to come.

Recommended for ages 3+, this series celebrates timeless lessons for young hearts. Below, we have listed all of the books in the series so you can see what they’re about! The newest book, The Two-Hearted Numbat, was co-written by Ezekiel Kwaymullina.

Caterpillar and Butterfly

A beautiful tale about bravery and overcoming one’s fears. From the award-winning Indigenous author–illustrator Ambelin Kwaymullina comes a wonderful tale about change. There was once a caterpillar who lived all alone. Everything around Caterpillar seemed large and strange, and she was full of fear. Determined to escape any possible danger, Caterpillar hides away in the safety of her chrysalis. There, she finally discovers the inner strength she needs to truly live.

Buy a copy of Caterpillar and Butterfly here.

Crow and the Waterhole

A fable-like story with a valuable, positive message of self-acceptance. There was once a crow who lived in a tree by a waterhole. Each morning, she stared into the water and saw another crow staring back. Crow thought Crow-in-the-waterhole was the most wonderful bird she had ever seen. Crow and the Waterhole is an inspiring picture book for younger readers about how we perceive ourselves and others.

Buy a copy of Crow and the Waterhole here.

The Two-Hearted Numbat

A beautiful First Nations picture book from the award-winning brother–sister team Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina, now in a new, small hardback edition. There was once a numbat who had two hearts. Numbat’s first heart was a feather, and when he wore it he felt soft and gentle. His second heart was a stone, and when he wore it he felt powerful and strong. But it was troublesome to have two hearts. Numbat decided it would be better to have only one – but which heart should he choose?

Buy a copy of The Two-Hearted Numbat here.