Ceremony is written by legendary Australian Rules football player Adam Goodes, a Adnyamathanha and Narungga man. It's a collaboration with Ellie Laing, who is completing studies in Traditional Aboriginal Cultures, and David Hardy, a Barkindji man with extensive artistic achievements.
With rhyming text and beautifully engaging illustrations, Ceremony draws readers into a special event in the lives of an Aboriginal community.
The end papers are an important place to start in reading this book, because they introduce you to key words from the language of the Adnyamathanha people, of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Accompanied by illustrations and the English translation, you can practice them before you start reading.
As well as key words in language which are used in the story, the phrase 'Nangga! Nangga! Yakarti!' is repeated throughout in a way that will encourage children to learn to read and say the words.
The children who star in Ceremony are a little mischievous and a lot appealing in their excitement and connection with their culture. They're looking forward to their Ceremony and prepare for it with their family.
Readers will be introduced to different aspects of Aboriginal culture as the Ceremony is shown in the context of recognisable activities such as sharing a meal, getting dressed for a special occasion, dance, and music.
There's also humour in the antics of the children and animals, brought to life through the vibrant illustrations.
I highly recommend Ceremony. It's a happy and celebratory story, and a valuable way to share traditional Aboriginal culture with young children.
Ceremony is the second book in the Welcome to Our Country series about Australia's First Nations' history. The first book in the series by Adam, Ellie and David, is Somebody's Land.
There is a QR code at the back of Ceremony which you can scan to access and listen to Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing reading the story.
Visit the Welcome to Our Country website for resources including a comprehensive guide for parents and carers, and educational resources for teachers.
Title: Ceremony
Author: Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
Illustrator: David Hardy
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $
24.99
Publication Date: 12 April 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761065064
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book
