Welcome To Country

by Aunty Joy Murphy, Lisa Kennedy (Illustrator)

Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People. We are part of this land and the land is part of us. This is where we come from. Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koondee bik. Welcome to Country.

Genres: Picture Books, Australia, Nonfiction, Childrens, Indigenous, Nature, Animals

26 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2016

About the author

Joy Murphy Wandin is a storyteller and writer who is passionate about using stories to bring people together and as a conduit for understanding aboriginal culture. She is an Officer of the Order of Australia. Welcome to Country is her first book. Aunty Joy lives in Victoria, Australia.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aunty Joy Murphy, an elder and storyteller of the Aboriginal Wurundjeri people of Australia's Yarra (Birrarung) River Valley, introduces readers to the traditional welcome ceremony of her people in this lovely picture-book. The words of welcome themselves are presented in both Woiwurrung and English - "Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearman koondee bik. Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people" - and the narrative then proceeds to describe some of the traditional Wurundjeri beliefs about their place in the world, and how they should live. Mention is made of their creator spirit, Bunjil the eagle, and his role in making the world. The book comes full circle by the end, reiterating the welcome expressed at the beginning...

Published in 2016 in Australia as Welcome to Country, and here in the United States in 2018 as Welcome to Country: A Traditional Aboriginal Ceremony, this was the debut picture-book of Aunty Joy Murphy, and was followed in 2019 by Birrarung Wilam: A Story from Aboriginal Australia . I happened to read that subsequent book first, and finding it so lovely, decided to track down this earlier title. I'm certainly glad that I did, as I found the narrative here fascinating, and the accompanying artwork from Lisa Kennedy - an illustrator of Aboriginal Trawlwoolway descent, who also worked with Murphy on Birrarung Wilam - absolutely lovely. If I had any criticism to make of the book, it would be that I think it should have been fully bilingual, rather than confining the Woiwurrung text to the beginning and end of the book. As I mentioned in my review of Birrarung Wilam , I find the few Woiwurrung words I have learned thus far lovely - I really enjoy the sound of them! - and would appreciate the inclusion of even more. That said, this was still an engaging, lovely look at an Aboriginal people most likely unfamiliar to most American audiences. Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy learning about new places and peoples, or who are seeking authentic stories from an Aboriginal Australian perspective.

[Liz Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book all primary grade classrooms in Australia should have, to read aloud again and again. Aunty Joy Murphy welcomes us all to country and tells the story of the indigenous people of the land and on the land. "Our ancestors left their mark on the land for us to follow in their footsteps. We have a presence on this earth through the spirits of our ancestors." Past and present are right here, right now. Gorgeous illustrations partner with the lyrics, each an artwork in its own right.

[Brona's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Country (2016) by Aunty Joy Murphy and illustrated by Lisa Kennedy is one of my favourite picture books of the moment. It not only feels worthy (of awards and recognition) and timely, but it's also sensitively and beautifully executed.

The initial 'welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People' is presented in both English and Wurundjeri language, with a another reminder to 'only take from this land what you can give back.' The book celebrates Indigenous language, culture and art and is another example of a book naturally introducing the local language to a wider audience.

Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO is an Elder of the Wurundjeri People of Melbourne and surrounds. She is a storyteller who 'is passionate about using story to bring people together and as a conduit for understanding Aboriginal culture.'

Lisa Kennedy is a descendant of the Trawlwoolway People on the north-east coast of Tasmania.
"It was then my challenge to find a way to express this living culture in a contemporary way in my illustrations. I wanted to show the physical and the spiritual connection to Country and Ancestors using imagery accessible to a wide audience."
Full review here - http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com/2019/...

[Nabeeha]

absolutely beautiful illustrations

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murphy, Aunty Joy Welcome to Country: A Traditional Aboriginal Ceremony, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2016. $17. 9780763694999

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book about the Wurundjeri Aboriginal people of Australia. It shares about the culture and beliefs of their origins and land. It also includes some of their language with translations.

I enjoyed reading this book. My favorite part was definitely the illustrations. It is a beautiful book that reflects the culture and mindset of this group by sharing their traditions and connection to the land. I think all elementary students will enjoy the illustrations but because it is not a story it may be harder for EL (K-3) students.

EL (K-3), MS - OPTIONAL. EL – ADVISABLE. SLM
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept for this picture book is a simple but effective one. It focuses on something which is becoming central to the way we formally gather today: Welcome to Country and acknowledgement of First Australians. This book simply explains concepts that underpin the customs, clanship and welcoming ceremonies - so that we realize the past, present and future are indeed part of our indigenous heritage today.
Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy is a well-known, devoted Wurundjeri elder in the Melbourne area; Lisa Kennedy's illustrations are full, warm and vibrant, reflecting her indigenous heritage and connection with where she now lives, in Wurundjeri country .

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is lovely! I recommend this along with Birrarung Wilam: A Story from Aboriginal Australia by the same #OwnVoices team.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and meaningful.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book about the welcoming ceremonies practiced by aboriginal people.

[Mary]

Beautifully illustrated and an enlightening read for children

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two indigenous Australians introduce readers to the welcoming ceremony of the Wurundjeri people. Rich, beautiful illustrations by Lisa Kennedy.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy is an exceptionally well written and presented picture book celebrating the indigenous culture. It's a book that I adored, but am ashamed to admit that I had not heard of until recently.

Welcome to Country is a non-fiction picture book detailing the Wurundjeri People and their welcome to country address. It's written in both Woiwurrung Ngulu (the language of the Wurundjeri people) and English.

When the book opens we are greeted with a short passage explaining the Welcome to Country Ceremony before the traditional address is given. After this, Aunty Joy Murphy, a Senior Aboriginal Elder of the Wurundger People of Melbourne Australia, walks the reader seamlessly through a number of rituals, explaining the meaning of particular customs and Dreamtime stories.

Welcome to Country is a truly beautiful and unique book to behold. Aunty Joy Murphy's text is clear and concise as she opens her culture to the reader. Lisa Kennedy's traditional illustrations are stunning, accompanying Aunty Joy Murphy's text perfectly. I think I reread this book three times back-to-back simple just to experience it all again and to catch more from the illustrations.

I strongly believe this book belongs in every primary school and classroom around Australia, as well as on the shelves of countless young Australian's bookcases. In fact, I think every Australian needs to read it at least once no matter their age.

Welcome to Country was shortlisted in 2017 for both the NSW Premiers HISTORY awards and the NSW Premiers LITERARY Awards. It's also won the Environment Award of Children's Literature.

[Cate Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite page is a definite spoiler alert: "We invite you to take a leaf from thr branches of the white river gum...[if you accept "we hope you do"]... But you must only take from this land what you can give back"-Aunty Joy Murphy & Lisa Kennedy. This hope is not what the colonisers/thieves/new arrivals (the experience diverse just as heartbreak is individual and communal) offered. Even though "hope" is an everyday word Murphy & Kennedy have offered a shift, a decolonised approach, in perspective to ordinary meanings attached to"hope". Connection to country is a hope that brings life back to celebrating stories and cultures neglected and almost wiped out. It is difficult to shift perspectives of hope when the land and animals are asking for our support. Their knowledge is vital and their vulnerability lost in the drive for success, admiration and fortune. The land brought some wealth. Murphy & Kennedy sensitively offer us a gift to reconnect and return what we have taken reconciling with the indigenous cultures.

[Hannah-Grace Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This non-fiction picture book tells the story of the Wurundjeri people. They are indigenous to Australia and have been around for thousands of years. The Wurundjeri live on through their ancestors, and practice ancient rituals. This book explains the numerous symbols and and customs of the people of Indigenous Australia.

I thought this book was so cool! Though it was different than anything I had ever read before, it posed me to a unique culture and allowed me to learn so much!

I would use this in a classroom during a cultural unit. It would be fun to discuss the Wurundjeri people, and you could read this book as an introduction.

[Asher Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little slow, but pretty interesting. It covers the processes of a traditional aboriginal ceremony, and is nonfiction written by an aboriginal woman.

I would most likely use this book in my classroom, because I like that it is from the perspective of an aboriginal person and it is very important for students to read accurate portrayals of other cultures. Although this book isn't the most interesting in my own opinion, the illustrations are well done and it tells of a culture we don't always hear about. (I accidentally posted the review on my old account first, but that was an accident, so don't be confused when it is similar to another one also written by an Asher)

[Serene Conneeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome To Country by Aunty Joy Murphy is a gorgeous children’s book that features a moving, generous Welcome to Country from respected Elder Aunty Joy Murphy, which invites us to learn more about the Country, history, rituals and connection to the land of the Wurundjeri People of what is now called the Yarra Valley and Melbourne. Says Aunty Joy, “Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People. We are part of this land and the land is part of us. This is where we come from. Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koondee bik. Welcome to Country.” The book is beautifully illustrated in gorgeous colours by Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy. It’s won several awards too :-)

[Asher Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little slow, but pretty interesting. It covers the processes of a traditional aboriginal ceremony, and is nonfiction written by an aboriginal woman.

I would most likely use this book in my classroom, because I like that it is from the perspective of an aboriginal person and it is very important for students to read accurate portrayals of other cultures. Although this book isn't the most interesting in my own opinion, the illustrations are well done and it tells of a culture we don't always hear about.

[Freddie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features some of the most beautiful illustrations of any book in our collection. Just absolutely stunning work from Lisa Kennedy. And with words by Aunty Joy Murphy, who has graciously and openly shared the Wurundjeri Wominjeka (welcome) ceremony, this is a very special book. A valuable resource. It's accessible, bilingual and an ideal conversation-starter for children to learn about the process of welcoming to country and traditional lands. Plus, the words are full of evocative imagery and wonder.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations...this is visually stunning. Using the text of an aboriginal welcome ceremony, this is a beautiful book, with explanations of what is going on both at the beginning and end and some of the words in the original language. It's a neat concept and a nice book...won't hold every kid's attention, but it is lovely.

[Sue Poduska · Rating 5 out of 5]

The push toward diversity in children’s literature has the happy result of enlightening everyone about cultures they probably only have a fleeting familiarity with. This fascinating picture book, written and illustrated by indigenous Australians, is one that has that effect.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceptionally beautifully illustrated book, that explores what "Welcome to Country" is, the connection of the Wurundjeri to the land and their creation story. A great book for providing insight into this aspect of Aboriginal culture and for sparking discussion.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Native, but not native American.
This is aboriginal from Australia and is about the ritual of welcoming people to a tribe's area.

Wish there were pronunciation keys for some of the words.

The illustrations are the best part.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the indigenous culture with beautiful illustrations

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the swirling colorful illustrations. Way to introduce aboriginal culture to children.

[Jaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply stunning.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible artwork that I am in love with.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeoussss picture book about this beautiful country. I'm glad I read it and tried a picture book out of my comfort zone!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful story. I wish the pronunciation of some of the words were in the book, I know how important it is to say things correctly.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and important book. I can imagine it being a valuable conversation-starter about Indigenous culture and values.

[Teagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and simple but powerful words.