Cirrus@Austlit

'This book contains six Wadjak stories composed by Theresa Walley and illustrated by herself, her daughter Cheryl Martin and granddaughter Biara Martin.'

'Yok Waakarl wer Yondok – Rainbow Serpent and Crocodile, tells of the creation of the rivers, lakes and waterholes is Wadjak country. It is a story of romance and courage as the mother Rainbow Serpent fights the crocodile from the north to protect Noongar Country. Many Noongar place names are included in this story as we travel with the Waakarl on her journey through Wadjak country.'

'Joondia Jili JiliI was a beautiful woman who tried to protect children from the evil magic man. Joondia Jili Jili threw the children into the sky to protect them and they transformed into the beautiful milky-way.'

'Noompat wer Karda – The Numbat and The Racehorse Goanna were two friends; well that was before they wanted to dress-up and show off their teenage colours. This story teaches us about friendship, loyalty and those that have true talent.'

'Pinjarra Waakarl is the protector of children and carer of Noongar people in the Murray River district, however this Waakarl is not so kind to those who want to disturb the tranquility and harmony of the Murray.'

'Danakat is the tragic story of how seven sisters lost their lives while searching for their father. The story tells of a family’s love and devotion to each other and how they stayed together for eternity.'

'Koodjal Nop is a tale of what can happen when disobedient boys don’t obey their elders.' (Source: Publisher's website)

'This beautifully illustrated book tells two important stories about spirit children and how they are tied to the unique Noongar totemic system. The stories help us to understand how Noongar land, plants and animals are interwoven; caring for each other and looking after Noongar spirituality, the matrilineal totemic system and the responsibilities of Noongar culture.' (Source: Publishers website)

'The fifteen stories in this collection were unearthed from the Battye Library achieves and are a unique compilation of legends from Bibulmun and Wardandi Noongar country documented by Debra Buller-Murphy. Buller-Murphy’s uncle, Alfred John Bussell who had also prepared a Dordenup Wongie manuscript of the dialect, compiled the word lists and examples of sentence in Buller-Murphy’s manuscript.'

'It is with the authority and permission of Barbara Councillor that the Dordenap stories from Buller-Murphy’s manuscripts have been translated. Many of the stories in the manuscript are well known by Wardandi people and have been told and passed on through the generations.'

'This unique work is published in the Noongar Dordenap dialect. The stories include true love stories, creation stories, stories of evil men conquered by great magic men and the story of the great shaking that changed the face of Noongar country. The book was published with permission from Barbara Councillor as senior custodian of this country.' (Source: Publishers website)