The Story of Girbar by the Saibai Thabu Clan with Liz Thompson
Pearson Australia, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4425 4692 9.
(Age 9+) The Story of Girbar is a wonderful book that not
only describes the people of Saibai (an island in the Torres Strait)
and their heritage but tells one of their stories - the story of
Girbar. It is illustrated by children in the clan and is retold by
the local story teller. The book is colourful and informative and
will be enjoyed by independent readers from 9+ to adult. Throughout
the whole book is a glossary, giving the English version to
traditional words as well as instructions on how to pronounce them.
As a teacher, I can picture reading this book to students as a way
to expose them to one of the Indigenous cultures that make up our
country. Children could illustrate their own version of the story,
research the islands in the Torres Strait and respond to the story
as part of a reading program.
This story could be compared to Dreamtime stories of local
Indigenous groups as well as other cultures from around the world.
The best part is, it is part of a 14 book series, presenting studies
of Indigenous cultures and each has a story specific to that group.
A great hardcover book collection for any library.
Kylie Kempster