In my country I play with the Morning Star
sing the earth’s song
fly with the red desert dust…
My Country is, as the title suggests, a wonderful celebration of country. The young narrator sings, dances, splashes and dreams in her country before declaring, on the final page, “I love my country”.
The simple yet beautifully crafted text, written by Ezekiel Kwaymullina, is brought to life visually by illustrations by his mother, Sally Morgan. The protagonist smiles her way through her country, and her smile is returned by all around her – the animals, the sun, moon and stars, even the rocks, the sand and the wind.
This is a wonderful reminder of the connection between Indigenous Australians and their land, and as such is an outstanding offering for Aboriginal children and their families, but it is a book for all children and all Australians about the wonders of nature and the importance of connecting with country.
The author and illustrator are from the Palyku people in Western Australia’s Pilbara. Sally Morgan is renowned both for her artwork and for her books, including her autobiography My Place.
My Country, by Ezekiel Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan
Fremantle Press, 2011
ISBN 9781921696916
This book can be purchased in good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.