First Nation Books
Our First Nations Books are published on demand, allowing each title to be produced as it is ordered. This approach supports sustainable publishing while ensuring stories and language resources remain accessible without mass production or waste.
Each book in this collection is a language-focused story, created to teach and share Aboriginal language words through storytelling. Language is woven naturally into the narrative, allowing readers to learn words, meanings, and cultural context in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate.
These books support learning by:
- Introducing Aboriginal language words within story-based contexts
- Encouraging cultural understanding through storytelling
- Supporting schools, families, and communities to engage with living languages
- Honouring the knowledge shared by Elders and language custodians
Because books are printed on demand, slight variations in print times may occur. This model allows us to respectfully publish language resources as they are needed, while supporting the ongoing sharing of culture, language, and knowledge.
Ghungalu Language Books
Gary Googoobin the Bush Turkey
Meet Gary Googoobin, an Australian bush turkey with a remarkable way of preparing for his young.
Written by Ghungalu Elder Steven Kemp, this illustrated children’s book introduces readers to Ghungalu language alongside the fascinating world of a native Australian bird. Discover the bush turkey’s nesting mound, its independent chicks and its role in the bush.
Bringing together language, wildlife and connection to Country, Gary Googoobin the Bush Turkey invites families and educators to share stories, explore new words and encourage children’s curiosity about the natural world.
Nelly the Nailtail Wallaby
Meet Nelly and her family on Ghungalu Country, where the woodlands of Blackdown Tableland provide a home filled with discovery, connection and change. As Nelly’s family encounters changes in their surroundings, the story opens conversations about protecting habitat and helping Country recover.
Written by Ghungalu Elder Steven Kemp, this beautifully illustrated children’s book introduces Ghungalu words through Nelly’s story. Young readers explore family relationships, native wildlife and the importance of caring for the places animals call home. With a Ghungalu language activity and fascinating facts about bridled nailtail wallabies, this book brings storytelling, language and nature together for families, classrooms and shared reading.
Yuwi Language Books
Arie the Wanmal and Her Tree in Yuwi Country is a gentle, culturally rich children’s story that invites young readers to slow down, listen, and connect deeply with Country.
Through the eyes of Arie, a sweet little wanmal (koala), children discover life in Yuwi Country and the special relationship between animals, land, and language. As Arie grows, rests, eats, and learns from her younga (mother), the story quietly weaves Yuwi language into everyday moments, helping children build familiarity with First Nations words in a natural and respectful way.
Lizzy the Clever Dhagany is a First Nations children’s story shared through the knowledge of Yuwi Elders from the Mackay region of Queensland. Set along the warm, winding rivers of Yuwi Country, the story follows Lizzy, a clever saltwater crocodile, as she teaches her young yalo dhagany important lessons about patience, safety, and survival.
Through gentle storytelling and engaging illustrations, children are introduced to Yuwi language words, woven naturally throughout the story to support learning and understanding. The book shares cultural knowledge about family roles, caring for young ones, and respecting the rhythms of the natural world.
Younga Bauru’s Journey is a beautifully told First Nations story that follows a wise mother turtle guided by the Ancestors and the moon. Through gentle storytelling, children are introduced to Yuwi language, Dreaming knowledge, and the importance of caring for land and sea. This meaningful book nurtures respect for Country, builds cultural understanding, and encourages young readers to walk their own path with strength and courage.
Tim and the Dhagany. Journey across beautiful Country with young Tim and his faithful mura (dingo) in this heartfelt First Nations children’s story by Melanie Kemp. Tim and the Dhagany shares traditional knowledge, respect for nature, and the importance of caring for Country through a gentle and engaging bush adventure filled with Yuwi language, culture, family, and connection.
Big Family, Big Love is a First Nations Yuwi language story celebrating family, culture, Country and belonging. Through Gagura and her big, loving family, young readers are introduced to Yuwi words while discovering the important role family and Elders play in sharing language, knowledge and culture across generations.