Description
Product description
Review
A book that will be enjoyed for its educational value and for the delightful re-telling of its age-old tales.
About the Author
Francis Firebrace is a ‘Wirrigan man’, a name given to a wise Aboriginal elder whose songs, including traditional didgeridoo, retell the old stories and speak of freeing the spirit. He is one of Australia’s foremost Aboriginal storytellers who has been ‘yarning’ since he can’t remember when and performing at schools, festivals and theatres. He is also a highly respected artist whose works have been displayed throughout the world. He paints in the four colours his people (the Yorta Yorta) have used since the beginning of time- black from fire coals, white from pipe clay, red and yellow from ground ochre, and he mixes these with acrylic to achieve his own distinctive, contemporary effect. Francis lives in Weybridge, Surrey. James Vance Marshall is also published under the names Ian Cameron and Donald Payne. His most famous book, Walkabout , was first published as The Children , and was later made into a movie by the director Nicholas Roeg. His other books include A River Ran Out of Eden , The Lost Ones (dramatised by Disney as The Island at the Top of the World ) and White-Out . He lives in Dorking, Surrey
From the author of Walkabout come ten of Australia’s ancient aboriginal legends, authentically and elegantly retold. Here you can discover how Great Mother Snake created and peopled the world with plants and creatures, what makes Frogs croak, why Kangaroo has a pouch, and just what it is that makes Platypus so special. The illustrations are by the aboriginal artist and storyteller Francis Firebrace, whose distinctive, colourful work is known throughout Australia and beyond.
sascha krohn –
interesting stories, cool stylized drawings
nice as a childrens book, and for anyone who wants to know more about australia and the aboriginal people there
NB –
Very engagingly written
This book is a hit with us.Ten stories, each 3 or 4 pages in length and each with an additional page of information that gives factual insights to increase understanding of the story through background information (about the animals, plants, geology…). A great balance.Beautiful images too. We particularly liked the double pages at the back that show the meaning of some of the designs found within the art, then looking back through the pictures in the book to find examples.Highly recommended.
RebeccaBowker –
Really interesting
My 6 yo really enjoys reading about myths and legends this was added to our library after running out of age appropriate Norse and Greek myths and he loved it. He really enjoyed the animal and Australia facts that are at the end of each story. He even took it to school to share with all his friends.
Jessica McAlister –
Dreamtime stories
Was looking for some Dreamtime stories from home to share with my class during book week. Was so excited to find this book filled with all the dream time stories we learnt growing up. Very happy with the purchase
Ksnow –
Enjoyable short stories
My 6 year old has really enjoyed this book. Each story is a good, short length and there is a wide range of topics (rainbow serpent is his favourite one). We have strong links to Australia but I think they are enjoyable stories for all.
Andrew Hodgson –
10 wonderful stories
This is a superb book.Each story is told beautifully, and accompanied by areas of text giving background facts about Aboriginal beliefs that relate to the story being told. Throughout the book the stories are accompanied by beautiful Aboroginal ochre illustrations that bring the characters in the stories to life.A great book for primary age children to enjoy.
Amazon Customer –
Four Stars
Great condition and compelling folktales.Best for 1st grade and above. Not an picture book.
QuambyG –
This takes me back…
Being born & brought up in Australia I had heard several of ‘The Dreaming’ stories from members of our ‘local’ aboriginal tribe. I couldn’t resist this book, as it reminded me of those happy childhood days spent on the edge of the Australian bush, & I wasn’t disappointed.
Louise Fairless –
Favourite book thus far!
I love this book, it’s descriptive, the stories are age appropriate, the layout is clear, pictures are great for discussion starters!! Used pictures for PE corners games, information for story creations and the children love the length and variation of stories from creatures to humans.A great resource!
A. Turner –
A brilliant book
I bought this for my class to explain The Dreaming through stories. Not only are the collection of stories fantastic, the illustrations are brilliant. This book inspired some great art work and stories from my kids.A great buy, and speedy delivery, thank you.