The Dunggiir Brothers and the Caring song of the Whale

By Aunty Shaa Smith with Yandaarra

Thank you so much to @allenandunwin for sending my class and I a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Story 📖

We are introduced to Ngambaa Country where the Ngambaa and Gumbaynggir countries meet on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.

We meet Aunty Shaa and some of her family. We find out some of the significant words including ‘Giinagay gaagal’ which is Aunty Shaa saying hello to the ocean.

We learn about some of the traditional stories including the story about the two ‘Goanna Sisters’ and how they made the sea.

The mixture of photography with picture book illustrations keeps the book really engaging for young readers and it wonderful being introduced to the local scenery before being taught the ‘whale song’.

Summary 📖

My class always enjoy reading any book with interesting and new language and pictures and this book was no different. We really enjoyed how Aunty Shaa helped to immerse us in her world and experience the beauty of the area through her eyes and culture.

The mix of photography and illustrations are really engaging and interesting with lots to look at and we loved reading and learning a new song.

Suggestion 📖

Thanks to Aunty Shaa for introducing us to her family and world and we send our utmost thanks and respect from Darug country. This book is excellent for young readers aged 4-8 years and is an engaging and informative read.