The picture story book, Corroboree (2004) tells the tale of a young Aboriginal boy, Wirrin, who lives in a traditional Aboriginal way. He lives with his family in the bush and interacts with the land and wildlife there. It is spring time, which brings people from near and far to stay at Wirrin’s camp for a corroboree. Wirrin hunts with his father, collects ochre with his grandfather and helps his mother and grandmother prepare food.

This representation of Aboriginal culture has been created by people of Aboriginal heritage. The story is inspired by Angus Wallam, who lived with his parents at the Moore River Mission. He was taught to hunt and find bush ‘tucker’ by his grandparents and participated in corroborees. The traditional ties of the authors lend authority to the text. Even so, there are strong mixed elements of both Aboriginal and European voices in the book.

The language used is Standard Australian English, rather than telling the story in Aboriginal English. However, words from the Nyungar language are used intermittently with English. This is quite effective in creating a realistic atmosphere for the tale. Every page has a square border, which is a European element, but inside the border is a Nyungar word with an English translation – a decorative glossary to refer to whilst reading Wirrin’s story.

The story itself is quite simple. It is told using language and structure that would appeal to young readers. It provides simple descriptions of events, feelings and setting. It is typically European in its structure: it has a distinct beginning, middle and end.

Despite its simple nature, Corroboree provides a positive and generous insight into what traditional Aboriginal life is like. It describes Wirrin hunting Kangaroo (yonga) with his father and provides great detail when describing the steps Wirrin and his Grandfather take to collect ochre for the dancers in the corroboree. Consistent with Aboriginal representations of their culture, family is central to the tale. This includes Wirrin’s immediate family and everyone who journeys to his camp for the spring corroboree. It is depicted as a time of great excitement and happiness. White communities are not a part of the story at all.

The illustrations are drawn with pencil and water colour and are a realistic interpretation with no hint of an Aboriginal style. Even though the artist herself is Aboriginal, she has chosen to use European artistic techniques, which actually complements the text quite well.

This book is a prime example of Aboriginal authors representing their culture in a positive manner, despite all that has befallen them. It portrays the notion of childhood innocence and happiness and feels very pre-colonial. Even though Angus was born in a Mission and knew many children that were taken away from their families, he has chosen present a people of pride and strong identity and to celebrate the wonder of childhood and the traditional ways of his people.

Review by Lauren Reidy

This piece was originally submitted as part of the course work in Post-colonial Literature for Children.

© 2005 Lauren Reidy