Weaving Country

Stunning picture book celebrating working together, sharing important lessons from Country, and featuring First Nations language

Around and around they go,’ says Walert looking at Gugung’s hands turning the wheel of woven reeds, growing slowly and surely, bigger and bigger.

Walert's grandmother, Gugung, is collecting reeds (djirra) to weave a basket (binak) and finally, Walert is big enough to take part and learn this important cultural practice. But when a pair of blue wrens interrupt them, Walert realises that the birds have something to teach her, too.

Featuring Wurunjeri language and glossary, this is a stunning book about learning from Country .

About the Authors

Aunty Kim Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder and senior knowledge holder, is a master-weaver whose artistic works are held in state and private collections, and for many years has used the spoken and written word to build cultural bridges.

Christine Joy has worked many years on collaborative projects in the cultural and environmental education sector, published curriculum materials for teachers and coordinated Children's Bookweek events and exhibitions of children's literature in cultural organisations.

About the Illustrator

Ashleigh Pugh is a descendant of Whadjuk ballardong, who has developed her own distinctive style of blending traditional wood burning technique with painting. In 2020, Ashleigh won Best Landscape for the Linden Art Gallery Postcard Prize.