The Gundjeihmi-speaking people of Kakadu have six seasons in the year of their majestic, awe-inspiring land.  This fascinating picture/information book presents each of those seasons in turn – the storms and floods, the heat and fires, the plants and animals, and the life of the people who have lived with them for thousands of years.

The focus is on the cycle of life for the land.  Each season brings a stage of growth or change that leads to the next.  In Gunumeleng, the lightning storms bring the rains that end the dry and the crocodiles lay their eggs.  Gudjeuk floods the plains and all the new growth brings feasts for snakes and birds and people.  The spear grass and wild yams and water lilies are abundant in Bangerrang, but by Yegge things are drying out and fire can sweep across the land. Wurrgeng bring cold nights and Gurrung windy change for the whole year to come round again.

Diane Lucas’ text is a rich collection of notes on this calendar.  The weather changes, the fruits that can be found each season, the animals and how the people can live with them are dotted around Ken Searle’s broad landscapes.

But it is much more than just a nature diary. In the introduction a Gundjeihmi elder says “This is a story that has got to be told to children so they know country – no good just sitting in the classroom all day.  You’ve got to get outside and discover the bush, feel the changes, see what’s there.”

Walking with the Seasons in Kakadu shows a whole way of life that recognizes the absolute dependence of each of the parts, land, wildlife, people, on each other.  It is a school library must, but it also would make an ideal preparation for anyone planning to visit Kakadu.  To appreciate what is there, you must first understand it.

Review by David Beagley

© 2003 David Beagley