This multi-award-winning book tells the story of how Anangu from five different language groups came to live together at Papunya. From the time of first contacts with explorers, missionaries and pastoralists, through to the Papunya art movement and the Warumpi Band, this multi-layered text finally leads us to the development of the unique educational environment that is Papunya School. As an example of two way learning, it is a profound metaphor for reconciliation.

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised by the Nsw Premier's History Award. It was recognised by the Excellence in Educational Publishing Award. It also was recognised by the Young People's History Award. It was recognised in the Book of the Year category by the Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.

There are 50 pages in this book. This book was published 2004 by Allen & Unwin .

This book is a unique collaboration involving the staff and students of Papunya School, working together with children's writer Nadia Wheatley and artist Ken Searle. Combining many voices and many hands, it was originally produced as a resource to be used for the Papunya School Curriculum. 'We want to see the children, after being educated at Papunya School, coming out like honey ants full of honey - nice and healthy honey - not poison inside. We want to see the children learning both ways, and coming out bright orange and yellow together, like honey ants. ' (Linda Kapunani Allen)Nadia Wheatley is one of Australia's most highly respected writers for children and teenagers. Ken Searle is an artist and illustrator. Nadia Wheatley writes for both adults and young people. Her award-winning books cover the genres of fiction, history, biography and picture books, and reflect her commitment to social justice. Nadia's first book, Five Times Dizzy, was often described as the first multicultural children's book in this country. Ken Searlegrew up around the Cooks River, in the south-west suburbs of Sydney, where he still lives. He is best known for his large paintings in oil on canvas, depicting the suburban and industrial areas of a number of Australian cities. As well, he has painted the landscapes of the Western Desert and of the southern coastline.