Cirrus@Austlit

'On Goonya-Wardu Country, Carnarvon, Western Australia, Walgathu the wedge-tailed eagle chick falls from his nest and then is scared to fly. The Nyingari zebra finch family take care of him. Walgathu goes in search of his  eagle family — in the sandhills, the water and the claypans.

'An ancient law is broken, and the Great Water Snake spirit causes a flood. Can Walgathu save his finch family?

'Through Brave Young Eagle, Book 4 in the Spirit of the Dreaming series, Yamatji-Noongar storyteller, artist and Stolen Generations survivor Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt shares the ancient language and culture of the  Yamatji people, and continues her healing journey. A story of love and belonging, Brave Young Eagle teaches us to believe in ourselves and follow our hearts.'  (Publication summary)

'On the spiritual place of Wadjemup, Rottnest Island, tourists are injuring the animals and making them sick.

'It’s time to make a stand.

'In this Aboriginal Dreaming story, farting quokkas, dive-bombing seabirds and protesting snakes teach us how to look after our sacred land and its animals.

'Through Old Nana Quokka, Book 3 in the Spirit of the Dreaming series,Yamatji-Noongar Elder Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt shares the healing wisdom of her ancestors, and the importance of caring for Country.' (Publication summary)

'Balharda the bobtail felt pretty in her necklace of wildflowers. But the Bidi-bidi butterflies laughed and said she was ugly. Who will be bobtail’s friend? In this Aboriginal Dreaming story, follow Balharda downriver from the desert to the sea and learn how words can hurt or heal, and how making friends can open up whole new worlds.

'Bobtail’s Friend is Book 2 in the Spirit of the Dreaming series. Yamatji-Noongar artist, storyteller and Stolen Generations survivor Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt shares vibrant images of Yamatji Country and words from the Wajarri and Nhanda languages of Western Australia as she teaches us to walk tall and proud in the skin we’re in.'  (Publication summary)

'Poor old Grandfather Emu can hardly walk or see. Of all the bush animals, who will lead old Weij to the creek for food and water? In this fun Aboriginal Dreaming story, children learn how Mother Yonga Kangaroo got her pouch, and the importance of taking the time to help.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'‘My story is not about blame. It’s about sharing history that belongs to all of Australia. I needed a push, but I am happy to finally give little Rhonda a voice, so that my words will live on after I leave this world.’

'In 1954, aged three, Rhonda Collard-Spratt was taken from her Aboriginal family and placed on Carnarvon Native Mission, Western Australia. Growing up in the white world of chores and aprons, religious teachings and cruel beatings, Rhonda drew strength and healing from her mission brothers and sisters, her art, music and poetry, and her unbreakable bond with the Dreaming.

'Alice’s Daughter is the story of Rhonda’s search for culture and family as she faces violence, racism, foster families, and her father’s death in custody; one of the first deaths investigated as part of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

'Written in Rhonda’s distinctive voice, Alice’s Daughter is fearless, compelling and intimate reading. Coupled with her vibrant and powerful paintings and poetry, Rhonda’s is a journey of sadness, humour, resilience and ultimately survival.' (Publication summary)