Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean is an ode to happy days spent by the ocean. It’s about celebrating our connection to nature, expressing gratitude for the land, and enjoying precious time spent with family.
Melissa Greenwood is a Gumbaynggirr artist, writer and designer, and co-founder of art and design label Mimmi + Jiinda, which she runs with her mother. Alongside making beautiful objects and artworks for her business, Greenwood channels her creativity and culture into stunning, heart-stirring picture books, including BR Kids favourites Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth and My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine).
Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean is every bit as beautiful as Greenwood’s previous books. Every page is a full-colour explosion of movement, rhythm and texture. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerised by the immersive ocean scenes, with landscapes, plants and animals abstracted and yet instantly recognisable as emblems of Australia’s stunning coastline.
The accompanying text is just as captivating, with a lilting rhythm and easy flow. The storyline conveys a simple and sweet adventure, imbued with a deep respect for nature and the ocean’s gifts, as well as the family that makes our everyday adventures so special.
There are Gumbaynggirr words dotted throughout this special work, and like Greenwood’s previous books, a full Gumbaynggirr translation of the text is provided at the back of the book. This was completed with input from Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, an organisation at the forefront of language revitalisation in coastal NSW.
Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean is a gentle, soothing story, and would make a memorable gift for a newborn or expectant mum. It’s the perfect addition to the bedtime reading rotation, and belongs on every classroom bookshelf, too.
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