Come Home, Bigibila (Corey Tutt & Irma Gold, illus Jessica Tedim, A&U Children’s)

For parents and teachers seeking engaging, educational First Nations stories, Come Home, Bigibila is an ideal starting point. Written by Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt (The First Scientists) and Irma Gold (Where the Heart Is), this warm, coming-of-age book explores the search for belonging through its central character, the beloved Australian echidna, known as Bigibila in Gamilaraay. Through Bigibila’s journey back home, Tutt and Gold craft a story of resilience and reaffirming identity. While the elements of “home” – food, shelter, safety – can be found almost anywhere, the story gently underscores that nothing can truly replace the feeling of belonging. The narrative unfolds through gentle word repetition and Jessica Tedim’s immersive artwork, making it perfect for bedtime reading. Beyond the story itself, the book includes more challenging material at the end, offering rich opportunities for guided discussion. A glossary of Gamilaraay words, facts about the echidna and thoughtful explanations about the ethics of keeping native animals in captivity invite parents and teachers to extend the reading experience into active learning. Children aged 3 to 6 who enjoy Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Alussa Russel’s I Wish That You Knew and Ezekiel Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan’s My Country will delight in Come Home, Bigibila for its simple prose and tender themes.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Rhea Candy is a freelance writer, editor and reviewer. She has a master’s degree in creative writing and publishing from the University of Melbourne. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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