Dual-language children's book exploring relationships with ancestors and Country nominated for Karajia award

Dechlan Brennan Published July 11, 2024 at 9.00am (AWST)

books

Isobel Bevis' text Nedingar: Ancestors celebrates the beauty of Country and family. (Image: Fremantle Press)

The Wilderness Society's shortlists for the Karajia and Environment Awards for Children's Literature were announced last month, with the Karajia Award, launched in 2022, honouring First Nations storytellers sharing tales of connection to Country, language, and community.

Celebrating and recognising the important message of First Nations authors and illustrators that honour a connection to Country, the Karajia Award for Children's Literature shares stories exploring land, community, culture, and language.

With the winners expected to be announced in October, judges for this year's Karajia awards include previously shortlisted author Jasmine Seymour, educator Danae Coots, and academic and author Amy Thunig.

One of the nominees is Wilman, Ballardong Noongar woman Isobel Bevis, whose book Nedingar: Ancestors celebrates the beauty of Country and family.

Combined with gorgeous illustrations by Wudjari and Goreng Noongar woman Leanne Zilm, evoking 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.

Nedingar: Ancestors is a dual-language text which features striking illustrations. (Image: supplied)

Ms Bevis told National Indigenous Times she didn't set out to write a children's book, but during the difficulties of COVID-19 lockdowns and 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."

On Nedingar: Ancestors, Ms Bevis said she wanted kids to not just fall in love with Country, but also have "a sense of responsibility to look after it".

"I think the book will explain to kids, and also to parents, that Aboriginal people have this strong sense of connection and belonging to Country, and it's because that's where our ancestors sit," she said.

"I hope that kids will understand that they can join us in looking after Country, so that when you're out on a walk and you're enjoying what you see, looking after it means it's going to be there for a very long time."

The book is one of seven nominated for the Karajia awards: five in the non-fiction category and two in the picture fiction category.

The Environment Award for Children's Literature is now in its 30th year.

The award shines a light on books written for children that promote a love of and care for nature, as well as recognising the creative role that authors and illustrators have played in inspiring future generations.

There are 12 nominees. Five in both non-fiction and picture fiction and two in fiction.

2024 Karajia Award for Children's Literature Shortlist

Non-fiction:

ASK AUNTY: SEASONS (Aunty Munya Andrews, Charmaine Ledden-Lewis)

THE TREES (Victor Steffensen, Sandra Steffensen)

TAMARRA (Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd, Leah Leaman, Felicity Meakins, Briony Barr, Gregory Crocetti, Cecelia Edwards, and Cassandra Algy)

GURAWUL THE WHALE (Max Dulumunmun Harrison, Laura La Rosa)

IN MY BLOOD IT RUNS (Dujuan Hoosan, Margaret Anderson, Carol Turner)

Picture fiction:

NEDINGAR: ANCESTORS (Isobel Bevis, Leanne Zilm)

GURRIL STORM BIRD (Trevor Fourmile, Jingalu)

2024 Environment Award for Chidren's Literature