This month we approach National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and the Referendum anniversary, and so we’re reflecting on the importance of truth-telling and cultural safety in ethical storytelling.
At the centre of this work is Our Yarning—Library For All’s First Nations-led collection.
We want to take a moment to re-introduce one of our key collections.
Our Yarning was created with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. It is a celebration of identity, a platform for authors and illustrators to share knowledge, culture, and lived experience in their own voice and on their own terms. The collection plays an important role in cultural preservation and provides a diverse range of perspectives—ensuring the next generation has access to stories that reflect their identity and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Led by community, grounded in culture
Every book in the Our Yarning collection is developed through a culturally safe process, led by First Nations writers, artists, editors and advisors. Stories are created in partnership with community—often through workshops or place-based collaboration—and reflect the unique cultural identities, practices, and lived experiences of the communities they come from.
From early years to upper primary, the Our Yarning collection includes a variety of both fiction and nonfiction literature that reflects the interests, knowledge and experiences of First Nations children across Australia. Stories span themes including Country, culture, adventure, health, science, the arts and recreation—bringing diversity and relevance into the reading experience.
Learn more about Our Yarning.
Some titles are available in local languages through translation, and many are developed with visual or oral storytelling traditions in mind, honouring the richness and depth of First Nations ways of sharing knowledge.
A few titles from Our Yarning:
- Isa’s Mat (Torres Strait) gently passes on traditional weaving knowledge to the next generation, honouring cultural practice while including a hands-on guide for families to try weaving together at home.
- Same Hearts helps children explore difference and sameness—acknowledging that while we may look or live differently, we all belong and feel deeply.
- Milk in My Tea celebrates identity and self-worth as a young girl explores what it means to be Aboriginal, learning that pride and culture aren’t defined by skin tone.
The growing collection of books is available for free on the Our Yarning app.
Download the app today:
Meet Some of Our Artists
The Our Yarning Artist in Residence (AIR) program supports emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander illustrators to build their skills, expand their practice, and contribute to children’s books.
Over a year, artists are guided by Our Yarning’s Cultural Advisor, Coordinator, and Project Editor to ensure a culturally safe professional development experience. The residency includes mentoring, skill-sharing, and hands-on book production—supporting artistic growth while respecting each artist’s voice and story.
Meet two of our Artists in Residence whose work brings Our Yarning to life.
Riker
Riker (pictured right in the image) is a Noongar artist from Perth, Western Australia, with extensive experience in acrylic painting, digital art, illustration, and design. Inspiration comes to Riker in all forms; they draw from the Earth, the Ocean, and what connects them emotionally to Country and soul.
As part of their Artist is Residence program with Our Yarning, Riker illustrated:
- When I Go Camping: What do you do when you go camping – sleep in tents, swim in the river and climb trees?
- I Am Proud: A book about a little boy being proud of who he is and his culture.
- Busy Little Bee: Bon-Bon is a busy bee ready to show how she spends her day.
- In the Ocean: Lucy gets her family get the whole community to help clean up the ocean.
- Let Us Count: A book about numbers and counting.
- Fruit Trees: What is your favourite tree? Fruit trees give us yummy fruit to eat.
- Waterfall Walk: A young girl and her cousin are going walkabout together to find a waterfall.
Outside of the residency, Riker has also authored and illustrated
- Family Mob (author)
- I Want to Dance (author and illustrator)
- Being Creative (author)
- Clinic Visit (author)
- Pilots Fly High (illustrator)
- Mud House (illustrator)
- Too Deadly at Shake-a-Leg (illustrator)
- Storytelling Through Art (author)
- The Black Cockatoo (author and illustrator)
Alysha
Alysha (pictured left in the image above) was born in Mt Isa, Queensland, on the land of the Kalkutungu (Kalkadoon) people. She is of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, with connections to Kalkutungu and Moa Island, Kubin Village.
Alysha is a young artist who began her artistic journey through graphic design and now completes freelance artworks for many First Nations peoples. She finds true pride in helping and supporting her people by bringing their ideas to life.
Alysha has illustrated:
- Away From Country: A little girl has to leave country to go to boarding school.
- Berry Picking for the Party: Friends throw a bush bash and need some berries for their guests.
- Ernie Alone: Ernie’s mum gets eaten by crocodiles and he has to survive alone.
- What Can I See on the Island?: There’s lots to see on the Torres Strait islands. What do you see?
- I Am a Model
Why this collection matters
Because inclusivity in literature is powerful and important. Culturally relevant books that reflect First Nations culture and identity support positive learning experiences and help First Nations children feel seen, valued, and connected to reading.
At the same time, this collection offers non-Indigenous readers an authentic window into the identity and lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia—supporting greater understanding, empathy, and respect.
This month, we invite you to take the time to listen, learn, and share these stories with care—amplifying First Nations voices in ways that honour culture, truth, and connection.
Explore more of Our Yarning collection here
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