When the World Was Soft (Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation, A&U Children’s)

The Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation (based in Roebourne and Ngurrawaana Community, in WA’s Pilbara region) has compiled Yindjibarndi Creation Stories in a compelling and beautiful graphic novel format. For readers 10+ (well-suited for schools and adult readers, too), the creation stories tell of a time when the world was soft, also detailing the respect and behaviour expected of the caretakers of the land. Throughout the book, Yindjibarndi words appear in English sentences with an extensive glossary. The first use of each Yindjibarndi word appears in red text with English in parentheses. When the World Was Soft is an extraordinary project, an invitation to share in a deep and sacred understanding of Country. Each story’s title page has a radiant piece of art by a member of the Juluwarlu Art Group. The six stories are illustrated in pen and ink and digital colour by Alex Mankiewicz and capture not only the vast reds, oranges and browns of the Pilbara region, but also the calm of the land, and through their details and composition, they foreground the importance of all Yindjibarndi people—and all beings that have lived. When the World Was Soft imparts a sense of responsibility towards the young, and to Country, and is a testament to the power of communities telling their own stories. This title would pair well with Songlines: First knowledges for younger readers and the substantial works of Helen Milroy and Corey Tutt.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Clare Millar is a writer, editor and children's bookseller. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews