A clever and colourful story about Australian animals which encourages young children to learn their names in a First Nations language.
Gregg Dreise is a storyteller, artist, and musician. He is a descendent of the Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of southwest Queensland and northwest New South Wales. Dreise is the winner of many awards for his published books including Speech Pathology Book of the Year (Indigenous Children’s category), as well as accolades from the Australian Book Industry Awards and Reader’s Choice Awards.
Where’s my baby? is a board book for young readers to help them learn the names of Australian animals in the Gamilaraay language.
As soon as the reader picks up the book, they will be attracted to the front cover; a picture of a baby emu with a bright yellow background and some colourful dot circles. Each page is a different bright colour: pink, yellow, or blue, which gives the story a sense of fun.
Where’s my baby? is the story of a mother trying to find her baby. On each double page we are shown a picture of a baby Australian animal. The name of the animal is written not in English, but in the Gamilaraay language. What a great way to learn! Each animal also has a very short description which helps the young child learn new adjectives: Where’s my baby? This bigabilla is too spikey. The dot circles continue throughout the book and add to the colour palette. Each animal also has huge eyes, which give the pictures extra cuteness.
The discovery of the lost baby at the end has a special twist as a human baby has been added just before we discover the answer. There is also a repetitive group of rhyming words before the answer is discovered.
Each Gamilaraay word has a definition at the end of the book, along with the correct pronunciation.
Where’s my baby? is a beautifully illustrated book with a simple story, small enough to be handled by a young child. It teaches the child about the connection between mother and child as well as language and some of our amazing Australian animals. It would make a lovely gift for any small child.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not necessarily of Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Magabala Books
Released: August 2022
RRP: $12.99
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