Miimi Marraal,
she created us, you and me.
She birthed the nyami;
she’s the giver of life and created all that we see.
Brought to readers through beautiful flowing poetry, the story is a message from a mother to her child, imparting wisdom about life, love, family, land and responsibility.
My precious baby,
know you are protected by your ancestors,
your totems and me.
And you belong to this land —
she will take care of you, you see.
Reading this book is like being invited to share an intimate moment between mother and child. The book welcomes readers into a special conversation and leaves you feeling warm, protected and inspired to live your best life. It’s simply beautiful.
Each page is accompanied by beautiful artwork is stunning peach-pink hues. It is art that speaks to the soul and helps carry the words through the book, filling you with warmth as you read.
At the start of the book, author/illustrator Melissa Greenwood invites you to learn about her heritage and the meaning of Miimi Marraal, both to her and her people. Make sure you start here when you read, because the story has deeper meaning when you read this first. And then read it again at the end to cement learning and understanding of this stunning book.
This is a very special picture book. It's a book I hope you will seek out and experience, because I believe it can be so many things to lots of different people: a beautiful gift for new mothers everywhere, a conversation starter about culture, a stunning collection of art you will be tempted to remove and put on your walls, and a song that speaks to hearts and inspires greatness.
Melissa Greenwood is the founder and director of Miimi and Jiinda, and has just launched Ochre by Miimi and Jiinda, a fashion and homewares label. She was born on her Gumbaynggir jagun (homelands) in Coffs Harbour and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Nations.
Thank you for creating this powerful picture book, Melissa. I will treasure it forever.
Title: Miimi Marraal Mother Earth
Author/Illustrator: Melissa Greenwood
Publisher: HarperCollins, $24.99
Publication Date: 4 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780733341632
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
