Bush Tukka Guide for Kids (Samantha Martin, HG Explore)

Bush Tukka Guide for Kids by Samantha Martin, a descendant of the Jaru people, is an exceptional book about so much more than food. Known as the “Bush Tukka Woman”, Martin invites children aged 7 to 12 to explore thousands of years of First Nations knowledge and ways of living on Country. While the primary focus is on Australian bush food, she also generously shares her experiences of growing up and learning from her Elders. The book is adapted from Martin’s bestselling Bush Tukka Guide and showcases survival skills, including hunting, gathering and foraging, within the context of respectful coexistence with nature. In “Our land, our Country”, readers gain a concise yet engaging overview of Australia’s diverse environments and how First Nations peoples thrive in each. The factual sections introduce bush foods with clear descriptions, traditional uses and the botanical and First Nations names. The recipe section cleverly demonstrates how readers can incorporate bush tukka into family meals and celebrations, with dishes such as bouncy kangaroo burgers, crocodile nuggets and lilly pilly popsicles. Finally, Martin offers simple, practical ideas for developing bush food gardens at home or at school. Bush Tukka Guide for Kids is an invaluable resource for families planning to travel throughout Australia, as well as an engaging educational tool for classrooms and school libraries. It’s a fascinating and accessible journey into ancient knowledge, encouraging curiosity, respect and reconnection with the land.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Merril Darling is a freelance book reviewer based in Melbourne. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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