WEAVING COUNTRY

“‘Around and around they go,’ says Walert, watching Gugung’s hands turn the wheel of woven reeds, growing steadily and surely, bigger and bigger. Gugung, Walert’s grandmother, is collecting reeds (djirra) to weave a basket (binak), and for the first time, Walert is big enough to learn this important cultural tradition. But when a pair of blue wrens interrupt them, Walert discovers that the birds have something valuable to teach her too. This beautiful story, featuring Wurunjeri language and a glossary, offers a touching insight into learning from Country.”