Ten of Australia's ancient aboriginal legends, authentically and elegantly retold and illustrated by one of the most well-known artists working in the tradition. Discover how Great Mother Snake created and peopled the world with plants and creatures, what makes Frogs croak, why Kangaroo has a pouch, and just what it is that makes Platypus so special in this impressive collection of illustrated aboriginal legends. With stunning vibrant artwork from aboriginal artist and storyteller Francis Firebrace, whose distinctive, colourful work is known throughout Australia and beyond.

 

There are 64 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2010 by Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd .

Francis Firebrace is a 'Wirrigan man', a name given to a wise Aboriginal elder whose songs, including traditional didgeridoo, retell the old stories and speak of freeing the spirit. He is one of Australia's foremost Aboriginal storytellers who has been 'yarning' since he can't remember when and performing at schools, festivals and theatres. He is also a highly respected artist whose works have been displayed throughout the world. He paints in the four colours his people (the Yorta Yorta) have used since the beginning of time: black from fire coals, white from pipe clay, red and yellow from ground ochre, and he mixes these with acrylic to achieve his own distinctive, contemporary effect. Francis lives in Weybridge, Surrey. James Vance Marshall is also published under the names Ian Cameron and Donald Payne. His most famous book, Walkabout , was first published as The Children , and was later made into a movie by the director Nicholas Roeg. His other books include A River Ran Out of Eden , The Lost Ones (dramatised by Disney as The Island at the Top of the World ) and White-Out . He lives in Dorking, Surrey James Vance Marshall is one of the pseudonyms of English writer Donald Payne. Walkabout was first published in 1959 and later made into a movie starring Jenny Agutter.

This book has the following chapters: The Rainbow Serpent and the Story of Creation 8



How the Kangaroo got her Pouch 12



Why Frogs can only Croak 17



Why Brolgas Dance 22



Why the Platypus is such a Special Creature 26



The Mountain Rose 31



The Two Moths and the Flowers of the Mountain 36



How the Crocodile got its Scales 41



The Lizard-Man and the Creation of Uluru 45



The Butterflies and the Mystery of Death 50



About Aboriginal Australians 56



Glossary 57



Aboriginal Symbols and their meanings 60