Our Birds by Siena Stubbs

This inspiring non-fiction book about Australian birds is a treasure trove of mixed delights and is unique in many ways – here are some facts about it:

• The photographer and author is a young indigenous girl who began her photographic journey with birds at only twelve years of age, through to about fifteen for this book
• The bird names are presented in the indigenous language of Yolnu Matha which have sounds unknown in English, English itself and also their Yolnu Moiety which is a system of classification based on sound
• This book is part memoir and part journal of the author-photographers life around Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem Land.
• There is a selection of 21 birds from the area, presented in a light-hearted, fun but informative way, whilst also giving specific information about how the birds tie into cultural beliefs, stories and lifestyle
• Each double-page spread has a photo of a bird with relevant information and/or a personal story on one side and a beautiful matching landscape photograph on the other

I would especially like to acknowledge Magabala Books (for whom I have been reviewing for quite a while) who are unique, daring and spot on in creating great books with a contemporary vision.

This is a small book but it includes so much interesting information.

Congratulations to Siena Stubbs for outstanding photography and insightful text.

For each book sold, a donation will go to the Small Seeds Big Reads: Magabala Books for Little Hands philanthropic initiative.

Please click hear to listen to Siena talk about her book https://www.facebook.com/NITVAustralia/videos/10153816012457005/?comment_id=10153822125627005&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D