Walking the Rock Country in Kakadu
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 June 23, 2024
Author Diane Lucas and Ben Tyler, illustrations Emma Long.
Distributor: A&U Children's
ISBN: 9781761067860
Publisher: Allen and Unwin; Imprint A&U Children's
Release Date: June 2024
Website: https://www.allenandunwin.com
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Karrire kundenge karribolknan kunwarddehwardde
The cover on this Picture Book, Walking the Rock Country in Kakadu hardly prepares the reader for the explosion of colour to be seen when the pages are opened. Vibrant and realistic, they show us the true nature of the Kakadu area both in its formations and its wildlife. The opening notes tell us that Kakadu is “Made up of many First Nations clans and languages.” There is a map of Kakadu National Park, and we are told that the Rock country is the Arnhem Land Plateau which extends into Kakadu.
The story begins with a family who decide to walk the Rock Country. They drive to a favourite place and head off into the rocky area. The little boy is excited and begins to run. He is confronted by a very large kangaroo and his first lessons are learnt. Don’t run, don’t leave the group, and stand still when confronted by a male kangaroo.
Most of the pages consist of a double page spread with a column of text to the side. This means the text is on a white background and easy to read. Meanwhile the splendid illustrations enlarge the understanding of the text.
As the story is told, the Aboriginal words are given for many birds and plants. “There is a marrawuddi watching us.” This is a white bellied sea eagle. The family look at the frogs and tadpoles and remember stories they have been told about their arrival. Interspersed in the text are tiny pictures of the family as they enjoy their explorations. We also learn about the customs for conserving plant life.
This magnificent book would be a brilliant resource for families or people wishing to learn more about First Nations People from Arnhem land. Because it is narrated by a child it is told simply, but the spiritual messages, the rituals and cultural responsibilities are addressed.
At the back a Glossary of terms is presented and superbly set out, with tiny drawings of each animal or plant. A truly spectacular book in every way.