Yildaan

Yildaan by Uncle Bud Marshall with Yandaarra. Illustrated by Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady. Allen & Unwin 2025. Picture book, RRP $29.99. ISBN 9781761181382

Reviewed by Debra Williams

‘Giinagay, welcome. I’m Uncle Bud. I’m a Gumbaynggirr man, an Aboriginal elder from Nambucca Heads. This is my country. I want to tell you about this place and about my Elders. I want everyone who comes here to know where they are. I want them to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and be part of Yildaan, our Dreaming track.’

This is a unique and stunning picture book that uses both photographs and artwork over the photographic images to tell the story. It’s an interesting concept that presents the stories in a visually different way and brings them to life.

In Nambucca Heads in Gumbaynggirr Country, the book relates stories of the Gumbaynggirr people, their living culture and their connection to Country. Uncle Bud takes the reader on a journey through daily activities, often referring to the ancestors who are no longer with them. Using a mix of Gumbaynggirr and English language, Yildaan includes artwork from Aunty Shaa’s nieces and Uncle Bud’s great nieces (Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady), along with a special story from Aunty Shaa, who holds stories from the region.

This book is from the award-winning team who created The Dunggirr Brothers and The Caring Song of the Whale. It will be enjoyed by readers 5+ years of age.

The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale

The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale by Aunty Shaa Smith with Yandaarra (Allen and Unwin) ISBN 9781760526313 RRP $24.99 HB

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

At the centre of this book is a story told by Aunty Shaa Smith about when the sea was first made and how the people were cut off but were saved by the Koala Bothers (Dunggiirr). Aunty Shaa is one of the story holders for the Ngamgaa and Gumbaynggirr countries and on the first pages is a map which shows these areas on the mid north coast of New South Wales. The following pages are illustrated with a combination of photographs of important natural places and artwork depicting the story (also by Aunty Shaa).  Amongst that, written in English but dispersed with traditional language, are descriptions of culture and the whale (Garruuja) singing its song of love and respect for all living things.

At the beginning of the book, the reader is told that the story of the Koala Brothers belongs to all times, not just the past. There are demonstrations of this throughout the book with pictures of Aunty Shaa’s family living their lives near the beach and in the bush, where they make a camp and spend time with one other. The most powerful image is of a young child being lifted to put their hand in the outline of a larger hand, part of a mosaic indigenous art piece. The book finishes with an invitation to everyone to look after the earth and each other. 

The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale shares a lot of information about language, tradition, and culture in a generous, personal way. The underlying themes of caring for the environment and treating others well, are obviously extremely relevant for today. Recommended for older primary school children aged 7-12 years.