Ask Aunty: Seasons is a delightful and educational picture book for children aged 5 to 10 years that introduces First Nations seasonal calendars.
Have you ever been excited for the first day of summer, only to be disappointed when it arrives cold and rainy? For First Nations People, the seasons don’t change when the calendar does. Instead, we can look for changes in plants, animals, water, weather and the stars to mark the start of a new season.
Aunty Munya explains how there are six seasons on her Country. Mankal is the rainy season, bringing strong winds from the ocean, while Barrgan is the season when bush fruits are most plentiful.
With stunning illustrations by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, Ask Aunty: Seasons encourages all readers to develop a deeper connection with the land, waters and sky.
Indigenous Own Voices, Indigenous Themes, First Nations
Picture Book, Age Range 5-10, Non-fiction, First Nations Culture, Indigenous Culture, Aboriginal Culture
About The Author
Aunty Munya is an Aboriginal Elder originally from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Despite a socially disadvantaged background and not speaking for the first five years of her life, Aunty Munya has been an accomplished and influential voice for her community. As a public speaker, she is much sought after in Australia and abroad.
Educated in Australia and the USA, Aunty Munya has degrees in anthropology and law. She has practised law in Victoria and New South Wales as a solicitor and barrister, including as a legal academic at the University of Melbourne and at Southern Cross University, teaching Indigenous legal subjects.
As an Elder, Aunty Munya is equally well-versed in traditional laws, customs and practices.
Like many Aboriginal people, Aunty Munya has learned to work and live in two worlds. Her dream is to bring them closer together, and cultural awareness is an invaluable tool in the process.
Aunty Munya is the co-director of Evolve Communities, which specialises in cultural awareness training and ally accreditation.
