NAIDOC Week 2022: 7 Stories to Get Early Readers Involved

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. And what better way for Australians of all ages to get involved than through literature?

This year NAIDOC Week is being held from 3-10 July. The NAIDOC 2022 theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! 

Reading gives children the chance to hear about the experiences and accomplishments of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. For our youngest Australians hearing stories aloud,  accompanied by pictures, is the perfect way extend their understanding of Indigenous culture. We’ve put together seven picture book recommendations for your little readers.

Welcome to Our Country #1: Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, illustrated by David Hardy

Somebody’s Land is an accessible picture book for young children that introduces First Nations history and the term ‘terra nullius’ to a general audience, from former AFL star, Australian of the Year and community leader Adam Goodes and political adviser and former journalist Ellie Laing, with artwork by Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of Welcome to Our Country #1: Somebody’s Land here.

Sharing by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson, illustrated by Leanne Mulgo Watson

Sharing is book three in the award-winning Our Place series (Respect 2020, Family 2020) that introduces children to First Nations philosophies that are dear to Aunty Fay’s heart. Each book is a powerful educational tool, with exquisite illustrations.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of Sharing here.

Kick with My Left Foot by Paul Sedan and Karen Briggs

This story about determination, resilience, and strength was produced through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s Emerging Indigenous Picture Book Mentoring Project. Kick with My Left Foot follows the story of a young boy and his dog learning the basics of Aussie Rules, showing how never giving up on what you set your mind to can help you reach your dreams.

Ages 0+

Buy a copy of Kick with My Left Foot here.

Ten Scared Fish by Ros Moriarty

This is an animal counting book with a difference!  Following the river to the sea, the reader meets and counts the animals until finally ten little fish meet a big scary shark! Bold illustrations and a delightfully playful text help readers familiarise themselves with prepositions as well as animals and numbers.

Ages 0+

Buy a copy of Ten Scared Fish here.

Warnayarra: The Rainbow Snake by Lajamanu School and Pamela Lofts 

This story is based on a story told by the children at Lajamanu School, a bilingual school where Aboriginal children are taught to read and write their own language, Walpriri. Illustrator Pamela Lofts (Koala Lou, Wombat Stew) adapted the illustrations from original paintings done by the children for their story.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of Warnayarra here.

Sam’s Bush Journey by Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina, illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft

Sam doesn’t like the outdoors and would be happy if it all disappeared. But when he goes to stay with his grandmother, he learns that the outdoors has an abundance of things to offer. Sam’s Bush Journey is brimming with themes that will promote discussion amongst young readers: journeys, the environment, storytelling, Aboriginal knowledge of the bush and intergenerational knowledge.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of Sam’s Bush Journey here.