Gregg Dreise is a gifted artist, storyteller and musician, and he features the didgeridoo and guitar in his performances at schools, libraries and festivals. He is a descendant of the Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales. He is the author and illustrator of Cunning Crow, Silly Birds, Kookoo Kookaburra, Mad Magpie, My Culture and Me, and Awesome Emu. All these stories are about teaching morals. They address self-image, friendship, kindness, bullying and Indigenous culture.
Today, Gregg Dreise is on the blog to share with us some of his favourite books from First Nations authors. Read on!
Gregg Dreise on Awesome Emu
Djiraboo Dinewah / Awesome Emu is more than a book to me … it is my Dreaming. My family are the Dinewah people, we have been telling this story since the Dreamtime. We the Emu people remind everyone about the awesome emu in the sky … the dark emu inside of what people now call the Milky Way.
I love letting people know about that tall, fast, colourful, show off. His showing off antics lead him around the country. However, his inability to see what really matters leaves him up there in the night sky, as a constant reminder to be humble. After reading this story, I urge to get away from the city lights and out on a no moon night. Once away from the glow (distraction of city living), with connection to Country, then you can truly focus on the emu in the sky.
Book recommendations from Gregg!
I Open the Door by Gregg Dreise, Ann James and Judy Watson – this book is one that I created with children from communities across the Western Australian Desert and guests from Melbourne … It highlights the power of imagination and stories that are close to the heart.
No Way Yirrikipayi by Alison Lester – this book was created with Alison Lester and students on Tiwi Islands … It highlights the importance of reading books in your own language – with belonging.
Hello, Hello by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation – this book was also created in Western Australian Desert communities … highlighting how songs/rhythm and rhyme can be used in creating Picture Books.
I Saw, We Saw by Yolnu Students from Nhulunbuy Primary School, with Ann James and Ann Haddon – I met these wonderful students at the Sydney Opera House for Indigenous Literacy Day … it highlights language and culture and belonging with books.
Can You Dance? by Sally Morgan – this book was created as a gift to my favourite charity – The Indigenous Literacy Foundation … It is simple and catchy and I love reading this to children.
Japarikka by Tiwi College Alalinguwi Jarrakarlinga, with Shelley Ware and David Lawrence – this book was created by talented high school students who continually realise that they too can be connected to writing books … It ties in a community’s passion for sport and fun.
Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe – this book was created by Uncle Bruce … who used Australian History to reshape Australian hope for the future.
Respect by Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson and Lisa Kennedy – it is wonderful to see how many picture books re-educate Australians away from the nonsense of “Savages” to show our beautiful culture for what it is.
Alfie’s Big Wish by David Hardy – It is great to see Dave create a legendary little character … This book is essential for indigenous young readers to see themselves in a positive light.
Once There Was A Boy by Dub Leffler – Dub has showcased the talent of indigenous storytellers … this book could be about any characters from any culture… What a wonderful thing to see culture represented in any type of story.
Awesome Emu
Way back, before once-upon-a-time time, there was the Dreamtime, and during this period lived a very confident emu called Dinewah. He was tall, fast and colourful. Most animals thought he was a show-off, but he was too busy talking about himself to take any notice…
Comments
No comments