Ninni Yabini (Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, illus by Tyrown Waigana, Fremantle Press)
Ninni Yabini is a new picture book collaboration between author, research academic and community development practitioner Cheryl Kickett-Tucker and multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer Tyrown Waigana. A celebration of family and belonging, the gentle narrative is perfectly matched with contemporary illustrations. Written in both Noongar and English, this tale of a baby swan called Yabini celebrates the Noongar language, which is spoken by 14 different groups across the south-west corner of Western Australia. Kickett-Tucker is a Wadjuk Noongar storyteller and her bilingual tale provides a wonderful opportunity for educators and young people to diversify their bookshelves. Ninni Yabini means ‘little star’ in Noongar, which is both Yabini’s namesake and the saving grace that she turns to when she finds herself in trouble. After she follows a pesky willy-wagtail and gets herself lost, the little star guides Yabini home with its bright path. This gives readers an important message not to stray too far, while also offering a sigh of relief and sense of joy in the happy reunion. Waigana uses mixed media including watercolours and ink to bring the story alive and provide a sense of place; the setting is Weeip’s Boodja near Mandoon along the Derbal Yerrigan. At the end of the book, the six Noongar seasons are illustrated to teach young readers something unexpected.
Karys McEwen is the library manager at Prahran High School, a middle-grade author, and the president of the CBCA VIC Branch.
