A stunning early childhood picture book by Sally Morgan, illustrated by Yolŋu artist Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr
Published by: Magabala Books | 28-Mar-2019
Little Bird's Day is a simple, universal story of a day in the life of Little Bird as she sings the world alive, flies with Cloud, travels with Wind, nestles with Moon and dreams of flying among the stars. Sally Morgan's gentle, poetic text and Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr's sensitive artwork combine to make this a beautiful and distinctive publication. Bringing to life Little Bird's journey, Johnny infuses his illustrations with his fine-art aesthetic, traditional motifs and a quirky sense of humour.
Little Bird's Day is the exquisite first outcome of Magabala's Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award. Funded by the Kestin Family Foundation, the aim of the award is to mentor Indigenous artists or emerging illustrators in the production of children's picture books.
Sally Morgan
Sally Morgan is one of Australia's best-known Aboriginal artists and writers. She belongs to the Palyku people from the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia. Her widely-acclaimed first book, My Place, has sold over half a million copies and is one of Australia's most celebrated works. Sally loves writing stories for children and is excited to have such a talented artist as Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr bring her story to life.
Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr
Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr is a Yolŋu man from the Ganalbingu clan and is known for his paintings of Ganalbingu song lines as well as his mother's Wägilak clan stories. Along with other members of his clan, Johnny keeps culture strong through painting, song, dance, and ceremony. Johnny lives in the remote East
Arnhem Land community of Gapuwiyak, where he is Chair of the Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Aboriginal Corporation. In 2017, he was the winner of Magabala's inaugural Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award.