Djinang Bonar: Seeing seasons by Ebony Froome. Illus. by Leanne Zilm

This engaging book presents the six seasons of the Noongar calendar in English and Noongar written and illustrated by newly published First Nations talent Ebony Froome and Leanne Zilm.

In Djinang Bonar the seasons are explained by watching things in the environment. We must look at the behaviour of animals, the plants and the sky as they all give clues as to what season we are in. Each season is annotated with Noongar words, while many of the well known things, kangaroos, swans, magpies and so on, are also presented Noongar language. 

One most impressive double page, only one amongst many, shows two magnificent whales (moorong) breaching in the ocean. They have appeared after the rain (boorong) has fallen across the country. This is the season called Makeuru. The magnificent illustrations give a breathtaking image of the pair of whales, far out in the rolling ocean, as they make their way north to warmer waters. Banurur, another season is shown by the flowering of the large gum trees and the Zamia fruit ripens for the weitj (emu) to eat. 

The Noongar country is portrayed in spectacular detail with gorgeous illustrations of the plants and animals typically seen in each season of the year. Looking up to the sky also offers clues to the season. 

This wonderful picture book for everyone to share provides insights into the six Noongar seasons learning some Noongar language along the way.

Author Ebony Froome was born and raised on Wardandi boodja in Busselton, WA and despite living in Perth remains strongly connected with her birthplace. Leanne Zilm is a descendant of the Wudjari and Goreng Noongar groups. Born in 1962 it was her mother who interested her in painting.

Themes: Aboriginal language, Aboriginal seasons, Seasons, Environment.

Fran Knight