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Tamarra

A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tamarra is a touching children's book that weaves together traditional storytelling with vibrant illustrations, celebrating Indigenous Australian culture. Through a captivating narrative, readers embark on a journey that explores the timeless connections between people, land, and tradition, all brought to life by a collective of talented storytellers and illustrators. It's a beautiful tribute to heritage, inviting young readers to experience the wonder and wisdom of Indigenous stories.
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Format: Hardback
$3999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in children's stories that celebrate cultural diversity and storytelling from multiple perspectives. Engagingly crafted by a group of talented authors, it offers rich narratives and vibrant illustrations that can captivate young readers and inspire their imagination.

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A colourful, fun and educational First Nations book about bugs!

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country is a fascinating, illustrated science book that takes kids inside the life of termites through storytelling from the Gurindji People.

Did you know there are four types of termite poo? Or that a warm paste made from a termite mound is used to strengthen a Gurindji baby’s body and spirit? Or that spinifex (which termites eat) is one of the strongest plants in the world?

Created as a collaboration between over 30 First Nations and non-Indigenous contributors, the story and artworks explore how termites and their mounds connect different parts of Country, from tiny Gurindji babies and their loving grandmothers, to spiky spinifex plants growing in the hot sun.

Written in traditional Gurindji, Gurindji Kriol and English (with a QR code to an audio version spoken in language), Tamarra is a truly original story with beautiful artwork that takes readers on an educational and cultural journey through Gurindji Country.

Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tamarra is praised as a valuable resource, particularly recommended for those enthusiastic about learning. It's highlighted as an excellent addition to any library collection.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781741178302

Publisher: Hardie Grant Explore

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 05 July 2023

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hardie Grant Explore

Illustration: Full colour throughout

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 260.0mm

Height: 260.0mm

Weight: 732g

Pages: 80

About the Author

The co-creators of Tamarra are a diverse group of First Nations and non-Indigenous people. For over four months in 2021, they came together on Gurindji Country to explore a shared interest in termites and with a curiosity about how they could create a new kind of storybook together.
 
The Gurindji cultural custodians who led the project are Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal and Leah Leaman who are members of Karungkarni Art, the local arts centre. Other key Gurindji contributors were Cecelia Edwards and Cassandra Algy, and students from Kalkaringi School who participated through workshops and art-making. Key non-Indigenous contributors were linguist Professor Felicity Meakins, who has worked with the Gurindji community for over twenty years, and artist Briony Barr and microbiologist Dr Gregory Crocetti, who collaborate as Scale Free Network.
 

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