How the Birds Got Their Colours

An Aboriginal Story

by Mary Albert (Narrator), Pamela Lofts (Editor)

All the birds except the crow gather around their injured friend, the little dove.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Childrens, School

32 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 1985

Reviews

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit macabre, but mama and I really like the Dreamtime stories!

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The awesome thing about this book is children love it and it thus gives as pathway into talking about Aboriginal culture, history etc, etc. The problem is that firstly it exoticises Aboriginality for white audiences (making it seem like a long ago thing not relevant to us today) and secondly that I feel a great deal of unease about white people appropriating aspects of Aboriginal culture (such as traditional stories) which they/we dont really understand. I feel uneasy as an ignorant white person being caught up in that.

But there is possible visibility here, a place to start acknowledging with children that Aboriginal culture and people exist. And that is to be celebrated. So mixed feelings, 3 stars

[Islam Ahmed · Rating 3 out of 5]

it has a good message
how to help each others and the final reward
well done

[Cj Reads Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it’s a story that piques my interest as a child and even now as an adult. Mr 5 and Mr 3 enjoyed the story as well but I think they might be a bit too young to fully grasp the full story.

The sentence structure and illustrations makes it easy for children to understand what is happening through the story even though some of the pictures might be a bit gory - definitely parental discretion is advised.

I love the idea of identity and belonging in this book. As the birds got their colours or patterns although very different from each other they got their individuality from the same bird. Giving the birds a sense of identity, we can quickly name different types of birds to different colour/s, e.g. rainbow- parrots, black- crows, pink- galahs and so forth.

[CATastrophe]

This is a story I read as a kid. I don’t know how to rate it, since I haven’t read it since. But the memory of its existence has lived on in my head.

And this book in particular is a necessity. There is so much magic and creativity that’s important for the imagination and wonder of children.

[Benoitcesoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story by the First People of Australia. I used it in a global studies program and the kids enjoyed the story. This story might frighten younger students as it does mention a bird getting hurt and almost dying.

[Lindsay Lodge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I would have hated this story as a child. I wouldn't have liked to think of the bird in pain, nearly dying and having a swollen foot. I like the artwork.

[Matthew Trearty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little book, my 1 year old will not get the meaning but liked looking at the beautiful artwork.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughters favourite story

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent picture book.
Utilised this picture book as a resource for a teaching unit pitched for kindergarten age group - 3-5 year olds.

Lovely illustrations by children.

Useful when designing units that incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives.

[Gul · Rating 5 out of 5]

'How the birds got their colours' is based on a story told by Mary Albert of the Bardi tribe to the Aboriginal children of Western Australia. As the title of the book clearly shows it is about how the birds got their colours. The book travels back in time to when the world was first created. Long ago the birds were all black till one day the dove flew around in search of food. As the dove flew down to the ground to catch his target he landed on a sharp stick. He fell sick and lay on the ground for many days. All Doves friends tried to help, except crow. All of a sudden colour splashed from Doves injured foot all over Doves friends. All the birds got colour, but crow got none. Dove got better and thanked his friends.

This book is best suited for very young children aged between one and three. Parents can engage their children by reading this book to them. The illustrations in the book are taken from the paintings done by the Aboriginal children. It is a fantastic read, with plenty of colour for the children. Like most children’s books we can tie this book in with various aspects of art. Children can create images of birds using different colours. It gives children the opportunity to express themselves through their drawings.

[Adam Zakeriya · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ GOOD

Rooted in Indigenous Australian storytelling, it carries that special sense of wisdom being passed down rather than simply told. This is a short book, but it holds a lot of meaning.

The story explains the origins of birds’ colours through a traditional Dreaming narrative, and it does so with simplicity and grace. There’s no rush, no over explaining, just a steady, thoughtful rhythm that invites the reader to listen.

What really stands out is the respect the book has for its audience. It doesn’t talk down to children or over decorate its message. Themes of generosity, consequence, community, and transformation are woven in naturally, making it meaningful for readers of any age.

Mary Albert’s storytelling is clear and grounded, reflecting the oral tradition it comes from. Every moment feels intentional. It’s the kind of story that encourages reflection rather than explanation.

How the Birds Got Their Colours is a gentle but important book. One that celebrates culture, tradition, and storytelling itself. It’s perfect for sharing, rereading, and remembering, and it absolutely earns its place as a classic.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of a gorgeous (Scholastic) series where Dreamtime stories are shared by their custodians. Children from that particular Indigenous country and language group provide the gorgeous, colorful illustrations. This one made me laugh at the point where the birds got their colours! There are specific short notes and acknowledgements so that we know who, what, where, when - and why the story is being shared - 'we want to share our stories with all children...' These stories are easy to read, vibrant to look at, and help to enrich our culture.

This beautiful book is also featured on the website of the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature
https://www.ncacl.org.au/atsi-resource/

https://www.ncacl.org.au/atsi_resourc...

[Eyterna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something read when i was really REALLY REALLY young, kinda wish i got a copy of the book. :(

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

the edition i have is spelled "...got their colours"

[Aphie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Next week is NAIDOC week! Work remembers we have Indigenous Australians, before forgetting all abut them again!