The Lost Girl (Ambelin Kwaymullina, illus by Leanne Tobin, Walker Books)

The Lost Girl is a new picture book for readers aged five and above from Indigenous writer Ambelin Kwaymullina (The Crow and the Waterhole, The Two-Hearted Numbat) and Indigenous fine artist Leanne Tobin. It tells of a young girl who wanders away from her family’s camp in the remote Australian outback and finds herself lost. How will she look after herself and, more importantly, how will she get home? This is a story with specific Indigenous appeal, exploring themes of family, home and belonging, and connections to nature, survival and the land. It’s also a story of resilience, self-reliance and strength—despite the girl’s plight she’s never afraid, because she knows Mother Nature will provide her with food, water, shelter and comfort on her journey home. Kwaymullina’s text is clear and direct, with echoes of traditional storytelling, while its calming rhythm matches Tobin’s vibrant illustrations, which blend modern and traditional styles. This book captures the beauty and bounty of Australian flora and fauna in rich detail, in a style that children will undoubtedly pore over. It’s a lovely addition to the increasingly diverse body of Indigenous children’s literature, and a great resource for school and home libraries. 

Meredith Lewin is a Sydney-based freelance reviewer, editor and proofreader