In this together: Five stories that foster understanding and reconciliation

National Reconciliation Week 27 May to 3 June is a time for all Australians to foster reconciliation discussion and activities and to celebrate Indigenous history and culture. It’s a time to share stories that help us understand each other, finding similarities and differences which help us appreciate that we are “in this together” which is the theme for 2020.

One of the best ways to give children insight into Indigenous culture and shared histories is through stories. There are so many wonderful books that we could recommend but the highlights below will get you started

Rocky and Louie by Dub Lefller, Phillip Walleystack and Raewyn Caisley

Louie’s big brother, Rocky, has big dreams and wants to chase them. But Louie doesn’t want him to forget where he belongs . A heartfelt story about the bond between two brothers and their special connection to country. Illustrated by CBCA award-winning picture-book creator Dub Leffler, and written by acclaimed singer/storyteller Phil Walleystack and award-winning children’s author Raewyn Caisley.

The Goanna Was Hungry with Sally Morgan and Ann James

Imagine being one of just ten lucky kids chosen to work with two of Australia’s best-loved authors and illustrators I a camp in the Australian desert. In June 2015, The Indigenous Literacy Foundation brought together Sally Morgan and Ann James, and kids from Tjuntjuntjara, Mt Margaret, Menzies and Melbourne for a 5 day writing and illustrating camp on Spinifex Country. These are their stories.

Sam’s Bush Journey by Sally Morgan and Ezekial Kwaymullina

Sam enjoys screen time more than the bush but when he visits Nanna he learns the bush has an abundance of things to offer, including adventure.  Includes themes of the environment, storytelling, aboriginal knowledge and intergenerational understanding. Renowned Australian storyteller Sally Morgan joins with her son in this brightly illustrated picturebook.

Kick With My Left Foot by Paul Seden and Karen Briggs

A young boy and his dog learn the basics of Aussie Rules. This joyful story captures the excitement and frustration of learning new skills, and the triumphant expression of success. This book was produced through the Emerging Indigenous Picture Book Mentoring Project.

The Naked Boy and the Crocodile edited by Andy Griffiths

The Naked Boy and the Crocodile is a collection of 13 stories from a series of workshops Andy Griffiths hosted in remote Australian communities. The book tells tales of playing with friends, riding motorbikes, picking berries, hunting for emu eggs, wild pigs and terrifying turkeys. These stories are more than just an entertaining read.