Dual-language children's book Nedingar: Ancestors has been recognised for the third time this award season; nominated for the Speech Pathology Australia's Book of the Year in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Book category.
Authored by Wilman, Ballardong Noongar woman Isobel Bevis and illustrated by Wudjari and Goreng Noongar woman Leanne Zilm, the gem has already been nominated for the Environment Award by the Wilderness Society and has been made a CBCA Notable Book.
With illustrations that evoke the vast landscapes of the nation, from gum trees, to wattle, to the outback, the dual-language book tells of a child wanting to meet their ancestors, only to learn they are all around them — on Country.
"I certainly didn't expect to win any awards for Nedingar, to make the shortlist for not one but two awards is incredible," Ms Bevis said.
"I am deeply grateful for everything the book has given me…joy, love and connection to family and Country. I hope it brings the same happiness to everyone who reads my book.
"My ancestors have led me here and I thank them for what I have been able to achieve."
The Book of the Year Awards are judged by a panel of Certified Practising Speech Pathologists with specific knowledge and skill in children's language and literacy development.
Each nominated book is judged on its appeal to children, as well as its interactive quality and ability to assist speech pathologists and parents in helping the development of communication, as well as literacy, in children.
Ms Bevis previously told National Indigenous Times she didn't set out to write a children's book, but during the difficulties of COVID-19 lockdowns, which resulted in being separated from her parents and siblings, she decided to write the stories her nan shared with her as a child.
"She was an amazing lady, and I was privileged to live down the road from her for most of my young primary school days," Ms Bevis said.
"So, getting home from school would be me running, getting changed, and going to see Nan and helping her do her washing [and] dishes…in that time, she would just tell stories."
Other books on the shortlist are Sky Country by Aunty Patsy Cameron and Lisa Kennedy; Walk with Us: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing, and David Hardy; The Heartbeat of the Land by Cathy Freeman, Coral Vass, and Tannya Harricks; Super Snake by Gregg Dreise; Our Flag, Our Story: The Torres Strait Island Flag by Thomas Mayo, Bernard Namok Jnr, and Tori-Jay Mordey; My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders and Jasmine Seymour; and The Bunyip and the Stars by Adam Duncan and Paul Lalo.
The 2024 winners will be announced at the end of October.
