Our Island explores the beauty of Mornington Island through children’s pictures and gives you a true sense of the peacfulness and abundance of nature. ⠀
The children of Gununa alongside Alison Lester and Elizabeth Honey have created this picturesque story that shows outsiders the beauty of Mornington Island and the link the Indigenous people have with the natural world around them.
Sunrise, Sunset and the hot summer sun are all depicted through the eyes of children alongside the poetic nature of the words. Simple crayon and food dye techniques are used to create a natural feeling of the island and its people.
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Our Island helps readers to become more aware of the rich indigenous culture that Australia has and the beauty of places untouched by development. By sharing this story with someone you are making their world a bigger and brighter place.
Indigenous Links
- Who are the children of Gununa?
- Learn some Lardil words
- Can you find out the same words for the tribe who did or still does inhabit/ed where you live?
- How do indigenous people live with nature – how does this help the environment?
Literacy
Before: Predict what this book might be about:
- Where is Mornington Island?
- Who are the children of Gununa?
- Who is Alison Lester and Elizabeth Honey?
After:
- What do you think life would be like for the people who live here? Compare your ideas from the start of the book.
- What do you think people do on this island?
- Are there people on this island? Why is it not mentioned in the story?
- How do these people feel about the natural world?
Your Task
- With a partner, describe where you live
- Create a book just like this to show your town, your city, your island, your bushland, your ocean etc.
- Do you think you would need to mention people? Can you leave people our of your space like this story does?
- Compare and contract the children of Gununa to your life. Think about the differences and how you would both feel living in each others community.
