Rainbow Bird: An Aboriginal Folktale From Northern Australia

Rainbow Bird: An Aboriginal Folktale From Northern Australia

by Eric Maddern

Summary: In this aboriginal pourquoi story, Bird Woman must find a way to get Crocodile Man to share the fire that only he possesses.

This is a unique folktale. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. I recommend this for reading to young children and discussing folk tales as a class. This is also a great read for this summer’s public library reading theme One World, Many Stories.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

The Singing Snake

The Singing Snake

by Stefan Czernecki

Summary: A retelling of the Australian aboriginal tale about a snake that swallows a lark in an effort to win a singing contest.

This is a fantastic tale that tells how an instrument, the didgeridoo was created. It is somewhat lengthy, but still a great read aloud for older children. The illustrations are beautiful and are influenced by aboriginal painting. It is appropriate for this summer’s public library reading theme One World, Many Stories.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Mirror/Mirah

Mirror/Mirah

by Jeannie Baker

Summary: In Sydney, Australia, and in Morocco, two boys and their families have a day of shopping. Readers are invited to compare illustrations in two wordless stories that are intended to be read one from left to right and the other from right to left.

This is a beautifully illustrated wordless book. There is text at the beginning and the end of the book, but the story itself contains photographed collages and no words. This book is stupendous for celebrating differences, but more importantly similarities. This is a bilingual book containing both English and Arabic text.

Interest Level: grades k-3