My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine); Melissa Greenwood

Melissa Greenwood uses her Aboriginal spiritual upbringing and the wisdom passed down to her from Elders to craft a dreamy bedtime story that is perfect for curling up under the Giidanyy (moon).

As the sun shines throughout the day,
it warms your cheeks while we play.
As the sun sets in the evening sky,
say, ‘Yaarri Yarraang, goodbye.’

My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) is a lyrical and calming bedtime story told that is lovingly shared from mum to baby. Gentle rhymes will send tired eyes into the dreamland but hopefully they’ll stay open just long enough to appreciate Greenwood’s Dreamtime illustrations and her exquisite interpretations of the setting sun, the moon and the wildlife.

The Gumbaynggirr translation of the poem, that can found at the end, is a lovely inclusion and is a reminder of the significance of languages and the First Nations people that call Australia home. It is important that future generations are taught about the land on which they walk and that the First Nations people continue to be honoured and their stories shared. For these things to happen books like this are essential and provide parents and educators with the tools to share important lessons and history.

Recommended for 2+.

With huge thanks to Harper Collins and ABC Books for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.