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Black Cockatoo

HONOUR BOOK, 2019 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS, YOUNGER READERS

FINALIST, 2019 READINGS CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 

SHORTLISTED, 2019 AUSTRALIAN BOOK INDUSTRY AWARDS, SMALL PUBLISHERS' CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 

SHORTLISTED, 2019 QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARDS, GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD

SHORTLISTED, 2019 SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS, EIGHT TO 10 YEARS

 

Black Cockatoo is a vignette that follows Mia, a young Aboriginal girl as she explores the fragile connections of family and culture. Mia is a 13-year-old girl from a remote community in the Kimberley. She is saddened by the loss of her brother as he distances himself from the family. She feels powerless to change the things she sees around her, until one day she rescues her totem animal, the dirran black cockatoo, and soon discovers her own inner strength.

A wonderful small tale on the power of standing up for yourself, culture and ever-present family ties.

$17.99

Praise for Black Cockatoo

"This deceptively simple tale has a quiet power... It is a reminder that gentleness is a form of strength."
Judges comments, Readings Children's Book Prize

"A delicate balance is maintained between presenting Indigenous culture in a way which inspires admiration and presenting the challenges faced in communities."
Judges comments, CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers 

"This is a highly original and gentle small tale set in the Kimberley about the power of standing up for yourself, your culture and ever-present family ties."
Halls Creek Herald

"Subtle and touching, Black Cockatoo reaches into the heart and will speak to anyone’s need to find their place in this world and the freedom to do so."
Writing WA

"Reading Black Cockatoo I am not only proud of these local writers but also so proud to read stories that as a bush community person I can identify with and share with our kids so they can be proud of their lifestyle and their differences."
Tammy, reader review

Carl Merrison

Carl Merrison is a Jaru and Kija man from Halls Creek. Carl works with young Indigenous boys through the Clontarf Academy focusing in improving engagement with education and providing a positive role model. Carl was nominated for Australian of the...

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Hakea Hustler
Hakea Hustler is an experienced English teacher who has taught around Australia including in remote Aboriginal communities. Hakea is committed to Indigenous education with a particular focus on story as learning and empowerment. Together, Carl and Hakea’s debut novella Black...

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