We are very excited to introduce our 7 Reading Tracks story books, featuring the tracking and hunting skills of the First Australians. Readers will be taken on exciting journeys which cover: • Fishing for barramundi; • Tracking and hunting for emus, perenties, kangaroos, echidnas and goannas; • Digging for witchetty grubs and honey ants;• The first Alice Springs Camel Cup, amusingly told by Luritja/Arranda man and camel musterer, Vincent Forrester; • And, by popular request, San hunters in Southern Africa. Humorous, colourful, detailed illustrations encourage oral language. The books were developed collaboratively by: Indigenous Elders, students and community members who were involved in sharing hunting and tracking information, editing, proofing, illustrating and mentoring the author. The authentic, hunter-gatherer stories convey – with a healthy dose of good humour, outstanding illustrations and everyday English – the ways in which food is gathered and shared by families. These popular subjects will ensure the contents of the pages are ‘devoured’ with enthusiasm and a desire to read. Our many cultural advisors over several years include: Margaret Kemarre Turner OAM; Daisy Tjupamtarri Ward; Benedict Kngwarraye Stevens; Marjorie Nyunga Williams; Amelia Kngwarreye Turner; Benita Tipiloura; Coralie Nampitjimpa Williams; Jennifer Inkamala; Jennifer Ullungura Clancy; Lizzie Marrkilyi Ellis; Mervyn Japanangka Rubuntja; Rhonda Inkamala; Trudy Inkamala; and Vincent Forrester. Benedict Kngwarraye Stevens. Senior Central Arrernte Elder, Traditional Owner of Alice Springs says of the Reading Tracks books: “Culture is starting to fade away with kids growing up only in town. These books work to connect them back to country. Makes it more powerful, you’ve got both ways in these books." Marjorie Nyunga Williams, Western Arrernte Elder says: “The books are really good. The Elders really like the books. We really want the books and we are proud of them. It’s really good about tracking and hunting.” Margaret Kemarre K Turner OAM, Senior Arrernte Elder says: “I really admire all these books. We need books like this now because we only see books for children. This is for adult people to see and learn quicker. I really want family to read and learn from these books which is really special to us."
