Raymangirrbuy dhawu - When I was a little girl by Kylie Gatjawarrawuy Mununggurr

The striking cover of Raymangirrbuy dhäwu: When I was a little girl will entice readers to this delightful story of growing up in North-East Arnhem Land. Told in dual languages of English and Dhuwal, also known as Djambarrpuynu, by Yolnu author and illustrator Kylie Gatjawarrawuy Mununggurr, this book revolves around her childhood years spent with family.

Each childhood memory is full of joy, freedom and family. Learning painting from her grandmother, while watching her paint on bark after mixing the colours made from red, yellow and black ochre as well as white clay. Hunting for bush honey (guku) with her cousins and eating what they found. Dancing the guku dance during ceremonies while the men sing. Fishing with her friends and grandma. Night fishing when the moon was full and even watching her uncle catch a big shark which was cooked and eaten by the community. All of these memories tell of a childhood filled with peace and happiness and share a wonderful insight into an aspect of First Nations culture.

The glorious illustrations in a natural palette of light blue, khaki, rust and sand are beautifully drawn in the recognisable Top End style known as Rarrk painting. Each painting reflects the text but also offers more to the reader. At the beginning of the book is a statement about the language and an invaluable pronunciation guide. In the final pages is a comment from Kylie Gatjawarrawuy Mununggurr and further information about her early years.

Themes: First Nations Culture, Bilingual story, Family, Childhood Memories, Remote Communities.

Kathryn Beilby