Shallow In The Deep End

by Tiwi College Alalinguwi Jarrakarlinga, Jared Thomas

58 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Liz Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Shallow on the Deep End" was written with youth from the Tiwi Islands and Jared Thomas. It's a warm hearted and funny tale that breathes joy.
Erica wants a dog, but her dad brings her a baby water buffalo instead! She names her Shallow.
The baby water buffalo becomes friends with Erica's friend's dog Bruno, and together the two run around town having fun. Havoc ensues, such as the destruction of an inflatable paddling pool, a trampoline, and worst of all the football at the grand final. There is never any ill will, even near the end when a decision has to be made about Shallow's future.
I loved this story and can read it over and over again. A must for all classrooms, homes and libraries.

[Michael Earp · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good first chapter book about a girl who asked for a dog and got a water buffalo. Thanks Dad!

[Brad Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book. The world needs more stories about Water Buffaloes.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of chapters involving Erica and her pet water buffalo. According to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation the book was written, illustrated and designed by the students over three days at an ILF writing workshop. Facilitated by author, Jared Thomas and supported by Scholastic Australia, the collaboration is part of the ILF Create Initiative that aims to improve literacy skills of young Indigenous girls still at school. This book is funny, warm and as Jared Thomas notes, “provided readers with the joy, connection and youth of the Tiwi people, country and culture”. Chapter books like this one provide a fantastic opportunity to include more diverse books about Indigenous culture in your library collection.

Suitable for 7+