Two (male) cousins and their uncle go tracking and hunting for kangaroos early one hot morning. The older boy nervously shoots his first-ever kangaroo under the watchful eye of his uncle. Full of pride they take it back to their camp, where their proud great-grandparents teach the cousins how to prepare and cook the meat, and invite the community to join the feast. The moral of the story is that you should learn the right, traditional way of tracking, hunting and preparing the animal for cooking. You should look after the environment, treat the animals you hunt with respect, care about each other and you should share the food you get from hunting with everybody. Within the story are the detaisl of how to track, hunt and eat a kangaroo. Knowledge passed down for generations in Central Australia and shared by the Elders for this book, so that young people everywhere can learn about their ancient culture. Many young and adult Aboriginal people contributed their knowledge and experience to this book. The Elders are MK Turner OAM; Benedict Kngwarraye Stevens; Vincent Forrester and Marjorie Nyunga Williams. Benedict Kngwarraye Stevens
Senior Arrernte Elder and Traditional Owner of Alice Springs says."The young people are going to learn by reading.
Just by looking at the picture they will know, they will
understand what the words are.
These books work to connect them back to country.
Makes it more powerful, you’ve got both ways in these books."
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!
Wendy Paterson is a secondary school teacher-librarian, and a renowened illustrator of children's books. She has previously enjoyed working as an archaeologist, a researcher, a History and Geography teacher, and clothing designer. She is inspired by bright colours, nature and the funny things children and animals say and do. Wendy says that illustrating for this book was an absolute pleasure as there are so many great colours and landscapes in Australia and the characters provide endless opportunities for a little bit of humour. Wendy loves going camping, exploring and hiking with her husband and two daughters.
A unique book about the traditional practice of tracking and hunting for kangaroos, developed with Indigenous Elders and community. Instils pride and confidence in Indigenous readers. Methods of tracking and hunting kangaroo are authentic, contibuted by Elders, embedded in a fictional, but realistic, story that Indigenous people can identify with. it covers contemporary hunting and cultural practices, as well as ancient Australian history. The book raises awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures for no-Indigenous people. For such a unique resource developed with many contributors, the book is good value. FOR: All readers, Indigenous and non Indigenous, of all ages to learn about Indigenous Australian hunting practices. Broadens awareness, deepens understanding and changes attitudes on Australia's first peoples. WHY: Fun, colourful, humorous and accurate illustrations designed to engage readers.
Brochures, website, speak at conferences, promotional material to stakeholders, media - radio, video, TV, newspaper. Social media. Flyers.
