TAUNGURUNG Land and Waters Council, TLaWC, has announced the release of a second children’s book in Taungurung and English languages, following the successful launch of Bijil Ba Wudhi Deberra in June.
Gukra-U Garringa Bijilal, Bijil’s Bigger Cloak, was written by Taungurung elder Aunty Loraine Padgham.
The first book of the Bijil series received glowing reviews from readers and now features in schools, kindergartens and bookstores across Taungurung Country.
The Bijil book series focuses on the ordinary activities a Taungurung family would have experienced prior to colonisation.
The books include a QR code that can be scanned to listen to the story read in Taungurung language.
“I was overwhelmed by the public response for Bijil Ba Wudhi Deberra, which was the first children’s book to use Taungurung language,” Aunty Loraine said.
“What started out as an exercise in exploring and applying Taungurung language demonstrated a broader public acknowledgement and interest in the culture of the Taungurung people.”
TLaWC chief executive Matt Burns noted the positive response from the community, who now have increased access to an accurate depiction of Taungurung culture suitable for the youngest generations.
“The revitalisation of Taungurung language is a longstanding priority of the Taungurung community and is reflected as a core focus in TLaWC’s strategic plan,” he said.
“The addition of these new books into schools and kindergartens ensures that children have access to Taungurung language from a young age.”
The series is dedicated to the Taungurung people, past and present, who have cared for Taungurung Country and culture since time immemorial.
