Two Magabala picture books launched as part of Online Storytime

Canberra, 14 September:  On Monday 12 September at an event at Parliament House in Canberra we were delighted to launch two picture books published by Magabala Books - Open Your Heart to Country by Jasmine Seymour and Thank you Rain! by Sally Morgan and illustrated by Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr.
 
Following a welcome from ALIA CEO Cathie Warburton including background on ALIA's partnership with Magabala as part of the Online Storytime program, attendees heard from Edie Wright, Board Director at Magabala, who spoke on the importance of having First Nations stories widely accessible and available for readers of all ages, but especially younger readers. Author of Open Your Heart to Country Jasmine Seymour then took to the stage for a live reading of the book. Open Your Heart to Country is told in English and Dharug, and is a moving account of re-connection to Country from a First Nations perspective. Sharing the nourishing power of returning home and being immersed in the language of Country, this picture book invites readers to reflect on the importance of place, not only for First Nations’ peoples but for everyone.  

 

The second book launched was Thank you Rain! written by Sally Morgan and illustrated by Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr. Thank you Rain! is a celebration of the plants and animals that welcome rain: raindrops in the treetops; birds singing in the rain; raindrops wetting the dry earth and filling creek beds; birds, frogs and kangaroos all enjoying the rain, and finishes with Johnny dancing with happiness!

      

ALIA CEO Cathie Warburton                                                                     Magabala Board Director Edie Wright                                                  Cathie Warburton, Edie Wright, ALIA Program Officer Dr Phoebe Weston Evans and Jasmine Seymour 

              

ALIA Policy and Research Librarian Lisa Lynch with ALIA Members               Author Jasmine Seymour 

  Executive Branch Manager Libraries ACT Vanessa Little, ALIA Director Policy & Education Trish Hepworth and Senator Penny Allman-Payne                                                                                                                                                                            

We wish to thank everyone who attended, in particular author Jasmine Seymour and Director of Magabala Books Edie Wright. 

ALIA's partnership with Magabala Books is supported by the Australian Government's RISE Fund. Online Storytime has been supported by the Australian Government, the Australian Council and industry partners.