Aunty’s Wedding (Miranda Tapsell & Joshua Tyler, illus by Samantha Fry, A&U)
There are few picture books about weddings for young children, who are naturally curious about this important ceremony. This story takes the charming perspective of a young child who is questioning her grandmother about the forthcoming happy event. The team behind Aunty’s Wedding, headlined by Larrakia and Tiwi actress and writer Miranda Tapsell, has created a delightfully simple depiction of just some of the wedding customs from the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin. A number of words are written in Tiwi language with a handy glossary at the back, but the text and images clearly indicate what each word means throughout the story. The illustrations by talented Dagoman artist Samantha Fry are beautiful, with strikingly vivid colours. Tapsell and Joshua Tyler are co-writers of the hugely successful movie Top End Wedding and, hot on the heels of Tapsell’s autobiography Top End Girl, this delightful picture book will surely find a ready audience of readers all around Australia keen to learn more about what happens in the Top End. Aunty’s Wedding is also a wonderful introduction to just some of the rituals that might be encountered at a joyful wedding celebration. It’s ideal to read to children aged 2–5.
Angela Crocombe is the manager of Readings Kids.
