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9 January 2025

Timeless Lessons: Read an Extract from Ambelin Kwaymullina’s Award-Winning Picture Book Series

Timeless Lessons: Read an Extract from 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.

Read an Extract from Caterpillar and Butterfly here.

Read an Extract from the Crow and the Waterhole here.

Read an Extract from The Two-hearted Numbat here.

Buy a copy of Caterpillar and Butterfly here.

Buy a copy of Crow and the Waterhole here.

Buy a copy of The Two-hearted Numbat here.

 

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Colouring Sheets: Crow in the Waterhole and the Two-hearted Numbat by Ambelin & Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Kids & Ya

9 January 2025

Colouring Sheets: Crow in the Waterhole and the Two-hearted Numbat by Ambelin & Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Publisher details

Caterpillar and Butterfly
Author
Ambelin Kwaymullina
Publisher
Fremantle Press
Genre
Children’s Fiction
Released
01 April, 2010
ISBN
9781921888014

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Synopsis

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. Her fears discarded, she emerges triumphantly as Butterfly to enjoy all the wonders of the world.

Publisher details

The Two-hearted Numbat
Authors
Ambelin Kwaymullina, Ezekiel Kwaymullina
Publisher
Fremantle Press
Genre
Children’s Fiction
Released
07 January, 2025
ISBN
9781921888007

Buy now

Synopsis

Numbat has two hearts, one of stone and one of feather. His stone heart makes him strong and powerful while his feather heart makes him soft and gentle. When having more than one heart becomes troublesome, Numbat must choose which one to keep…

Publisher details

Crow and the Waterhole
Author
Ambelin Kwaymullina
Publisher
Fremantle Press
Genre
Children’s Picture Book
Released
28 March, 2011
ISBN
9781921696824

Buy now

Synopsis

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 and uplifting picture book for younger readers. 
Ezekiel Kwaymullina
About the author

Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Ezekiel Kwaymullina is a Palyku person whose family comes from the northwest of Western Australia. He was born in Perth in 1983. He is a full time writer. He is the son of acclaimed author Sally Morgan, and has collaborated with her and his siblings, Blaze and Ambelin, on several novels and picture books. Ezekiel’s work is inspired by his love of fantasy novels, anime, video games and films. His hobbies include rock climbing, soccer and kickboxing.

Books by Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Colour Me
Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Colour Me

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The Two-hearted Numbat
Ambelin Kwaymullina, Ezekiel Kwaymullina

The Two-hearted Numbat

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Ambelin Kwaymullina
About the author

Ambelin Kwaymullina

Ambelin Kwaymullina loves reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and has wanted to write a novel since she was six years old. She comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. When not writing or reading she works in cultural heritage, illustrates picture books and hangs out with her dogs. She has previously written a number of children's books, both alone and with other members of her family. Her first novel, The Tribe Book 1: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, was short-listed in both the Science Fiction and Young Adult Fiction categories of the 2012 Aurealis Awards.

Books by Ambelin Kwaymullina

Crow and the Waterhole
Ambelin Kwaymullina

Crow and the Waterhole

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Liar’s Test
Ambelin Kwaymullina

Liar’s Test

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The Two-hearted Numbat
Ambelin Kwaymullina, Ezekiel Kwaymullina

The Two-hearted Numbat

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Caterpillar and Butterfly
Ambelin Kwaymullina

Caterpillar and Butterfly

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    17 January 2025 at 7:50 am

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  2. eva says:
    10 October 2025 at 7:34 pm

    Ambelin Kwaymullina’s award-winning picture book series offers beautifully crafted, fable-like narratives that deliver timeless lessons of self-discovery and emotional strength for young readers. same day pay They are wonderfully encouraging and rooted in powerful, positive messages.

    Reply
  3. Wayne says:
    7 March 2026 at 6:10 am

    i love how kwaymullina’s stories treat fear and balance without talking down to kids, and the idea of rereading them over years really fits. the extracts make me want to see how the art and text work together across the whole series. i did get distracted when my feed shoved a weird gambling link at me right under this article, https://dragon-tiger-in.com/ and it felt so out of place next to children’s literature. still, i’m glad this piece highlights an aboriginal creator with such a wide reach.

    Reply
  4. tommyrider2000 says:
    14 March 2026 at 8:33 pm

    I’m really excited about Ambelin Kwaymullina’s picture book series; her work beautifully captures essential life lessons through captivating storytelling and illustrations. If you want to dive deeper into her magical world, check this link: kin bet where you can find more details. Each book is not just a tale but an experience that encourages kids to overcome their fears, explore their emotions, and discover their inner strength, making them perfect for family reading time. I can’t wait to share these gems with the little ones and see how they resonate with them!

    Reply
  5. tommyrider2000 says:
    14 March 2026 at 8:34 pm

    Ambelin Kwaymullina’s picture book series is such a delightful exploration of inner strength and overcoming fears, and I can see why it resonates with so many. The magical worlds she creates are not just for children; they hold timeless lessons for everyone. If you’re looking for a great gift or just want to dive into a beautiful story, you can check out her work here: kin bet. Books like “Caterpillar and Butterfly” offer a unique perspective and encourage readers to reflect on their own journeys, making them perfect for re-reading. It’s heartwarming to see literature celebrating diversity and connection, especially in today’s world.

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