The Lost Girl
Age 5+
Picture Books
A beautiful story of how Mother Nature helps a lost girl find her way back to her family.
The girl had lost her way. She had wandered away from the Mothers, the Aunties and the Grandmothers, from the Fathers and the Uncles and the Grandfathers. Who will show her the way home?
Creators
Ambelin Kwaymullina loves reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and has wanted to write a novel since she was six years old. She comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. When not writing or reading she teaches law, illustrates picture books and hangs out with her dogs. She has previously written a number of children’s books, both alone and with other members of her family. Her first novel, The Tribe 1: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, was short-listed for the 2012 Aurealis Awards in both the Science Fiction and Young Adult Fiction categories.
Leanne Tobin has worked as an artist for more than three decades. She is of Dharug descent, the traditional Aboriginal people of Greater Western Sydney. Leanne is a primary teacher but works as an educator within the community and runs creative workshops with a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations, teaching local Dharug histories, stories and land care to the public. Her artwork acknowledges her mixed ancestry (Irish, English and Aboriginal), and she uses a combination of Western and Traditional techniques infused with Aboriginal symbolism and stories. She has won many awards and in 2011 won the NSW Parliament Indigenous Art Prize. The Lost Girl is her first picture book.
Reviews
This book captures the beauty and bounty of Australian flora and fauna in rich detail … a lovely addition to the increasingly diverse body of Indigenous children’s literature.
Books+Publishing
In our over-busy, sometimes frantic world, the simplicity of The Lost Girl’s story is its strength.
Magpies
A splendid production with a strong Indigenous flavour, it reflects the importance of story, the unbreakable bond between the Indigenous people and their land, and family unity.
Buzz Words
This would make a wonderful addition to any classroom, library or home bookshelf. We get a glimpse of the unique relationship that the Aboriginal people of Australia have with Mother Nature, and how they teach their children to survive in this harsh and unyielding landscape they call home.
Creative Kids Tales
The illustrations of Australia’s iconic flora and fauna are beautiful
Disney
The simple but lovely story is given richness by the gorgeous pastel illustrations from Leanne Tobin with the full richness of the outback colour palette.
Literacy, Families and Learning
This is a refreshing and authentic indigenous perspective.
Reading Time
