Last month saw the opening of the Jarjum Stories exhibition in kuril dhagun showcase. Jarjum Stories is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s books and storytelling from classics such as The Legends of Moonie Jarl, Stradbroke Dreamtime and The Rainbow Serpent to contemporary stories.
One of the highlights is a children's book created by the students of Tamborine Mountain State School in collaboration with author Gregg Dreise and language input from Rory O'Connor .
Jingeri Jingeri is a story about a cheeky willy wagtail and features words from the local Yugambeh language. The book was recently launched at the State Library with the Mt Tamborine students who were very proud of their work as authors and illustrators!
As part of State Library's commitment towards the International Year of Indigenous Languages, Jarjum Stories provides an insight into the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and storytelling for children. 31 languages are featured in the exhibition, including Butchulla, Jandai, Kamilaroi, Yugambeh, Yarluyandi, Wangkangurru, Guugu Yimithirr and Lardil.
One of the innovative uses of language in children's books has been the translation of the popular children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar into Aboriginal language. Through the support of Queensland Library Foundation donors, State Library worked with the Mackay community to create a Yuwibara translation as part of the celebrations for the International Year of Indigenous Languages as well as the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
A selection of books featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages is available in the Reading Nook for visitors to take time to rediscover children's books. The Library Shop also has a selection of books featured in Jarjum Stories for sale.
On a personal note, I would like to congratulate Sophia and Nadine on Jarjum Stories - it is a wonderful exhibition that complements the Spoken exhibition and celebrates the International Year of Indigenous Languages. One of the strong messages from community members was their wish to see language and stories passed onto children.
Desmond Crump
Indigenous Languages Coordinator, State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Webpages
State Library of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Map
Jarjum stories: A kuril dhagun showcase focusing on children’s books and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. 19 October 2019-10 May 2020.
Spoken: celebrating Queensland languages: A major exhibition exploring the survival and revival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages throughout Queensland. Join in the many talks and events to celebrate the rich and diverse languages spoken today. 21 November 2019-19 April 2020.
References and Further Readings
The following is a selection of collection items featured in the Jarjum Stories exhibition.
Bowen, L. and Calley, K. (2016) Gudaa bula dyugi-dyugi = The dog and the chook. JUV 499.15 BOW
Cape Treasures: Children from Cape York Share Stories.
Crombie, J. and Barr-Crombie, J. (2014) Children's Talking Book . JUV 499.15 CRO
Crombie, J. and Barr-Crombie, J. (2018) Looking for Tucker . JUV 499.15 CRO
Dreise, G. (2014) Silly Birds. JUV A823.4 DRE
Erbacher, J. and S. (1998) Jarruka the scrub hen. JUVQ 641.391 ERB
Gordon, T. and Haviland, J. (1980) Milbi: Aboriginal tales from Queensland’s Endeavour River. JUVQ 398.20994 GOR
Hill, C. and Thompson, D. (2012) Lockhart River language readers Umpila and Kuuku Ya'u languages. HKT 418 HIL
Jack, P. (2014) Turtle and wallaby : Barun ban Garnjin. Told by Phil Jack; illustrated by Year 2 students at Mornington Island State School. JUV 299.9215 JAC
Jarl, M. (2014) The legends of Moonie Jarl. Retold by Moonie Jarl (Wilf Reeves) ; illustrated by Wandi (Olga Miller). J 398.2 MOO
Kennedy, V. (2017) Amra Niighi Laenae : the boys go walkabout. JUV499.15 KEN
Korkaktain, V. (2008) Minh Nga’an Wichan = Catching fish told & illustrated by Venita Korkaktain. JUV A823.4 KOR
Lawrie, M. (1970) Myths and legends of Torres Strait. Q 398.2099438 MYT
McRobbie, N. (1996) Who's that Jumbun in the log? JUVQ A823.3 M'RO
Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation (2014) Two boys and two devils : a traditional Yangkaal story from Forsyth Island. Illustrated by Year 3 students at Mornington Island State School. JUV 299.9215 TWO
Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation (2014) Seagull and Crane : a traditional Lardil story. Illustrated by Year 4 students at Mornington Island State School. JUV 299.9215 SEA
Omeenyo, G. (1987) The crocodile. JUV A823.3 ome
Santo, W. & Nancarrow, C. (2006) Gudjal book of animals. JUV 499.15 SAN
Walker, D. and Griffiths, L. (2011) Island treasures : Torres Strait children share stories. Collected by Dot Walker and Lynnette Griffiths for the State Library of Queensland. JUV A828.4 ISL
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