OUR STORE IS CLOSED ON ANZAC DAY: THURSDAY 25 APRIL
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- One of the most marvellous things about children's publishing of the past few years, is the growing collection of books written by Indigenous writers for young readers, and this new book is a welcome and worthy addition to the oeuvre! Kunyi (born in 1950) and three of her siblings were taken from their Yankunytjatjara family and sent to the Oodnadatta Children's Home when she was four. This book is a testimony of her life at the Home, of the daily routines and special times, anecdotes of the nuns and other children, illustrated with Kunyi's boldly naïve and colourful paintings. A section of old photographs at the back of the book adds to the poignancy of her lifestory, which doesn't dwell on the wrongdoings of a system that tore her from her mother, but doesn't hide them away either… Instead it celebrates the vivacity of young children and their capacity to find friendship and joy in each other's company, despite the harshness of their surroundings. A lot of text, so it's suitable for primary aged readers. Lindy
Age range 9+ These are my stories from a dry remote place, where growing up was very different for what children know today.
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- One of the most marvellous things about children's publishing of the past few years, is the growing collection of books written by Indigenous writers for young readers, and this new book is a welcome and worthy addition to the oeuvre! Kunyi (born in 1950) and three of her siblings were taken from their Yankunytjatjara family and sent to the Oodnadatta Children's Home when she was four. This book is a testimony of her life at the Home, of the daily routines and special times, anecdotes of the nuns and other children, illustrated with Kunyi's boldly naïve and colourful paintings. A section of old photographs at the back of the book adds to the poignancy of her lifestory, which doesn't dwell on the wrongdoings of a system that tore her from her mother, but doesn't hide them away either… Instead it celebrates the vivacity of young children and their capacity to find friendship and joy in each other's company, despite the harshness of their surroundings. A lot of text, so it's suitable for primary aged readers. Lindy
