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Book 1 - The Bull

Reading Tracks
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2 men go tracking and hunting for cattle on horseback in the hot, dusty Central Australian Desert. When they return to the Cattle Station yards a few days later with several young bulls, their enthusiastic children enjoy watching the process from behind the safety of the wooden rails. The story of tracking, hunting, lassoing and capturing the bulls is portrayed with humour through beautiful colourful illustrations. Book 1 in the Reading Tracks series.

Margaret James, M.Ed (TESOL), is the winner of several accolades including NT Australian of the Year finalist, QUT Faculty of Education outstanding alumni, Courier Mail 50 Brightest and Best. She was shaped by her multilingual rural childhood in Southern Africa where Indigenous languages surrounded her. This significantly influenced her choice of tertiary studies - among these were linguistics, languages, education, Teaching English as an Additional Language, choral conducting and voice. This background was to prove invaluable when, after a fulfilling and varied career in several countries, she moved into Indigenous Education in Australia. The paucity of engaging, early-reading material for EALD learners and her relationship with Elders of several Australian Nations, led her to develop several linguistically and culturally appropriate books and resources in English and several Aboriginal languages. Her first series is the innovative and highly successful Honey Ant® Readers. While visiting schools and communities in order to deliver Professional Development for the Honey Ant® Readers, Margaret became increasingly aware of the similar need for engaging, early-reading material for older learners as well. She worked closely with Elders, students and illustrators to develop linguistically and culturally appropriate learn-to-read story books for older readers, and books which could be enjoyed by non-Indigenous readers equally, while teaching them about the cultures and food gathering practices of Australian First Peoples. This included trips to the desert and the coast with Elders and children who shared their knowledge about tracking, hunting and fishing for food. Reading Tracks® - stories about hunting, tracking and fishing - is the result! Jayo Stenz was born and raised in a Permaculture village in South East Queensland. Drawing has been a favourite hobby since he could hold a pencil. He started animating cartoons at a young age for fun but never pursued it as a career. Jayo served in the Australian Navy for 6 years and after leaving he gave himself a ‘Gap year’ of freedom, travelling and deciding on his future. He found that his true passions were both being outdoors and making cartoons. He’s found his niche in the Outdoor Recreation industry, and spends all his spare time following his other passion – drawing and animating cartoons.

Unique. The first book in a series of progressive readers developed with Indigenous Elders and community. Fills a gap in the Middle school, young adult and adult Indigenous learn-to-read market. Instills pride and confidence in Indigenous readers. Methods of tracking the cattle are authentic, embedded in a fictional, but realistic, story that Indigenous people can identify with. Covers historical mustering. The book raises awareness and understanding for non Indigenous learners. For such a unique resource developed with many contributors, the book is good value. FOR: Indigenous students learning to read in schools or adult education organisations e.g. prisons. Engaging because it is about their lives. WHY: Fun, colourful, humorous illustrations engage even the most reluctant readers. Unique book for Primary, Middle school and older people learning to read. Brochures, website, speak at conferences, promotional material to stakeholders, media - radio, video, TV, newspaper. Social media. Flyers.

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