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My Girragundji
My Girragundji is the story of a boy who is scared of the bad spirit, the Hairyman, who roams his house at night. But, when he is befriended by a green tree frog, 'girragundji', he realises that his ancestors have sent her to protect him and he can face his fears. This story combines the talents of Boori Pryor, one of Australia's greatest aboriginal story-tellers, and author Meme McDonald. It's a tale firmly rooted in aboriginal myth and culture, but one that will appeal to any child who's been afraid of the dark.
84 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 11, 2017
A great book that inspired me to create a book trailer here: https://youtu.be/I4VlwAhBfuc
I have also written a detailed review for teachers that want to use My Girragundji in the Australian classroom here: http://haberlah.edublogs.org/2017/08/...
I have also written a detailed review for teachers that want to use My Girragundji in the Australian classroom here: http://haberlah.edublogs.org/2017/08/...
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August 6, 2021The novel was a thriller which even I was worried because the thought of an old hairy, wrinkly hand would come and grab me at night surely gave me shivers. My Girragundji is about a boy who has many siblings who are scared of the hairy man. The boy has no name and purely knows inside that he is a bedwetter because a young white female who he secretly has feeling for smiled at him, he got goose bumps and shivers when she speaks to him.
August 3, 2021
I think that My Girragundji is a good book, it features an indigenous protagonist who lives an abnormal live because he is apparently he is living with a bad "hairy man" which he fears. He then find a green tre frog which he names "Girragundji". It helps him overcome his fear but in the end, the protagonist tries his very best to save her, but he doesn't succeed.
November 16, 2021
“Never fight when you’re angry. You’ll always lose.”
‘I dream those dreams you never want the dawn to chase away.’
“Don’t be afraid. Remember our spirits are always together.”
A touching young voice whispered a dance into my eyes. This was yet another book I found laying around in my classroom today. Brand new too. Barely touched. I was deep into the story, and it warmed my heart in regards to how closely I held
onto symbols of hope in my youth. And, even more ironically, it was just after a Symbolism class I taught.
A coordinator rudely interrupted my reading as my students were watching Elf in the background.
“Done a uniform check?”
“It looks good to me.”
“Does it? Maybe I need to take some kids with me.”
“If you spot an anomaly, you’re welcome to take them.”
“No. You’re meant to do this. It’s your job to do this every day. That’s what we do here.”
What we do here? We abandon books and we pick one and bully young children who are too searching desperately for little beacons of hope. It’s what SHE does here. But I won’t. Even if this means I’ll be doing the bare minimum as a classroom teacher. I’ll accept that. It means I won’t ruin a kid’s day.
Aside from my terrible school experiences, I’d like to add that this book cleverly ties in some Indigenous words and their meanings (forgive my ignorance in my inability to determine which language in particular, however I accept any correction or advice).
‘I dream those dreams you never want the dawn to chase away.’
“Don’t be afraid. Remember our spirits are always together.”
A touching young voice whispered a dance into my eyes. This was yet another book I found laying around in my classroom today. Brand new too. Barely touched. I was deep into the story, and it warmed my heart in regards to how closely I held
onto symbols of hope in my youth. And, even more ironically, it was just after a Symbolism class I taught.
A coordinator rudely interrupted my reading as my students were watching Elf in the background.
“Done a uniform check?”
“It looks good to me.”
“Does it? Maybe I need to take some kids with me.”
“If you spot an anomaly, you’re welcome to take them.”
“No. You’re meant to do this. It’s your job to do this every day. That’s what we do here.”
What we do here? We abandon books and we pick one and bully young children who are too searching desperately for little beacons of hope. It’s what SHE does here. But I won’t. Even if this means I’ll be doing the bare minimum as a classroom teacher. I’ll accept that. It means I won’t ruin a kid’s day.
Aside from my terrible school experiences, I’d like to add that this book cleverly ties in some Indigenous words and their meanings (forgive my ignorance in my inability to determine which language in particular, however I accept any correction or advice).
February 5, 2025
My Girragundji is a slight yet powerful Young Adult novella that offers a respectful and engaging insight into a young First Nation's boy and the cultural influences that help define him. Combining a first person narrative with numerous photos, Meme McDonald and Boori Monty Pryor ensure that the reader will warm to their story and the unnamed protagonist, and in the process become open to the the rich Aboriginal world that informs the narrative. Simultaneously funny and sad, respectful and irrelevant, My Girragundji has the potential to strike a chord for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers.
That the authors have centred their story on a young boy who is going through all-too-familiar problems that have no racial or cultural barriers ensures that the reader should find empathy for the protagonist. He is starting to discover girls, gets bullied at school, has siblings that annoy him, is unsure how to meet his parents' expectations, and is trying to find himself at an age where he is aware of his flaws but not of his strengths. This may be a common trope or construct for Young Adult books as well as more mature texts, but it doesn't mean that it's any less important or valuable as a positive element in the narrative.
Where My Girragundji excels is that the story then utilises this paradigm of the YA novel in conjunction with Aboriginal language, culture and beliefs to make understanding and empathy possible. There is a generosity of spirit and a pride in what is presented in the book that will positively influence perceptions of Australia's Indigenous peoples, as well as strengthen the pride and self-belief of those who read it and are Aboriginal. In its simplicity and heartfelt prose there is a signficant power in the novella's ability to affect an appreciation for what Aboriginality in contemporary Australia can mean.
It is in its combination of the universal (e.g. the novel's protagonist having a crush on a (white) schoolfriend, Shazza) and the unique (the use of language, the crucial role of the Girragundji as a spirit companion for the boy) that establises the primary value of this book. Additionally, as a highly readable book that is accessible for young readers, it provides an enjoyable experience for children who may be struggling with literacy issues. There is sufficient intellectual challenge in the book to make it worth serious contemplation and close study, but also it won't be too oppressive for children.
I will be using My Girragundji as a text for an English class this year and my expectation is that my students will readily engage with it, and should benefit from its application in lessons. If one is looking for a good Australian noevl that explores the ideas I've identified in this review, for children between the ages of 10-14 you could do a lot worse than this.
That the authors have centred their story on a young boy who is going through all-too-familiar problems that have no racial or cultural barriers ensures that the reader should find empathy for the protagonist. He is starting to discover girls, gets bullied at school, has siblings that annoy him, is unsure how to meet his parents' expectations, and is trying to find himself at an age where he is aware of his flaws but not of his strengths. This may be a common trope or construct for Young Adult books as well as more mature texts, but it doesn't mean that it's any less important or valuable as a positive element in the narrative.
Where My Girragundji excels is that the story then utilises this paradigm of the YA novel in conjunction with Aboriginal language, culture and beliefs to make understanding and empathy possible. There is a generosity of spirit and a pride in what is presented in the book that will positively influence perceptions of Australia's Indigenous peoples, as well as strengthen the pride and self-belief of those who read it and are Aboriginal. In its simplicity and heartfelt prose there is a signficant power in the novella's ability to affect an appreciation for what Aboriginality in contemporary Australia can mean.
It is in its combination of the universal (e.g. the novel's protagonist having a crush on a (white) schoolfriend, Shazza) and the unique (the use of language, the crucial role of the Girragundji as a spirit companion for the boy) that establises the primary value of this book. Additionally, as a highly readable book that is accessible for young readers, it provides an enjoyable experience for children who may be struggling with literacy issues. There is sufficient intellectual challenge in the book to make it worth serious contemplation and close study, but also it won't be too oppressive for children.
I will be using My Girragundji as a text for an English class this year and my expectation is that my students will readily engage with it, and should benefit from its application in lessons. If one is looking for a good Australian noevl that explores the ideas I've identified in this review, for children between the ages of 10-14 you could do a lot worse than this.
September 19, 2022
5⭐️
An Aboriginal teenage boy is haunted at home by the Hairyman, a spirit that comes to his house and is known to choke people to death; and is taunted by bullies at school. His life is rough, especially when you add in that he’d rather wet the bed than go to the outside toilet at night and see the Hairyman. That is, until a little green frog - a girragundji - hops into his life.
With his girragundji by his side, the world doesn’t seem so scary anymore. The bullies aren’t so big, he now has a girlfriend and his footy is going from strength to strength. Now all he has to do is face the Hairyman; but can he? To find out, you’re going to have to read My Girragundji.
My Girragundji by First Nations authors Meme McDonald and Boori Monty Pryor is a deadly little children’s book, which is perfectly suited to early primary school age children.
First released in 1998, My Girragundji won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year. I can only imagine that at this time, it would have been only one of a few children’s books not only written and illustrated by Aboriginal authors; but also which contained several First Nations and Murri words in its text. Thank goodness Allen & Unwin took a chance on publishing it, because books like this are so important for so many reasons, especially for preserving language.
This edition is the 20th anniversary edition and whilst the text and photos it contains are exactly the same, it was interesting to read at the end that My Girragundji has since been made into a play and a film. This is not surprising given how easy it is to visualise our protagonist (whose name we never learn) go about his business. The writing is strong, descriptive and almost poetic; but never verbose. It draws you in and you want to know if the Hairyman will continue to haunt the protagonist or if his girragundji will save him (no spoilers here though!).
I really loved this book and it took me back to my time in the Gulf, listening to stories from the Elders who were kind enough to share some of their stories and wisdom with a migaloo women. Although a children’s book; I say that both those who are young and young at heart will find it a delightful and educational read. It’s a highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
An Aboriginal teenage boy is haunted at home by the Hairyman, a spirit that comes to his house and is known to choke people to death; and is taunted by bullies at school. His life is rough, especially when you add in that he’d rather wet the bed than go to the outside toilet at night and see the Hairyman. That is, until a little green frog - a girragundji - hops into his life.
With his girragundji by his side, the world doesn’t seem so scary anymore. The bullies aren’t so big, he now has a girlfriend and his footy is going from strength to strength. Now all he has to do is face the Hairyman; but can he? To find out, you’re going to have to read My Girragundji.
My Girragundji by First Nations authors Meme McDonald and Boori Monty Pryor is a deadly little children’s book, which is perfectly suited to early primary school age children.
First released in 1998, My Girragundji won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year. I can only imagine that at this time, it would have been only one of a few children’s books not only written and illustrated by Aboriginal authors; but also which contained several First Nations and Murri words in its text. Thank goodness Allen & Unwin took a chance on publishing it, because books like this are so important for so many reasons, especially for preserving language.
This edition is the 20th anniversary edition and whilst the text and photos it contains are exactly the same, it was interesting to read at the end that My Girragundji has since been made into a play and a film. This is not surprising given how easy it is to visualise our protagonist (whose name we never learn) go about his business. The writing is strong, descriptive and almost poetic; but never verbose. It draws you in and you want to know if the Hairyman will continue to haunt the protagonist or if his girragundji will save him (no spoilers here though!).
I really loved this book and it took me back to my time in the Gulf, listening to stories from the Elders who were kind enough to share some of their stories and wisdom with a migaloo women. Although a children’s book; I say that both those who are young and young at heart will find it a delightful and educational read. It’s a highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
July 31, 2021
This book seemed much like just a simple children's novel, but after reading it, I realised that it was so much more. It is a meaningful story, influenced by the beliefs and culture of Indigenous Australians. The author, Meme Mcdonald, is Indigenous Australian herself. The story was about how a boy lives his life in fear of the spirit that haunted his house. He finds himself a green tree frog, a Girragundji, which remains with him, protecting him from his fear. As the boy continues to be comforted by his frog, he realises that he is no longer afraid of the spirit. When the time comes for the frog to leave him, the boy knows that it would always remain with him, in his heart. A lot of character development happens in this book. Near the beginning, the protagonist was always fearful, and did not have a very happy life. He was always in constant fear, fear of the spirit, and fear of the bullies at school. The Girragundji guided him and helped him to gain confidence in himself. After the frog left, the protagonist still felt it inside him, and knew it would always remain there. Near the end of the book, the protagonist is no longer afraid of anything, for he knows that he has his frog inside him.
July 17, 2025
Excellent, as always from Boori Monty Pryor, whose work I found from ‘Wrong Kind of Black’ on Netflix. This is a brilliant story of facing fears, culture, coming of age, supportive ancestors and haunting figures.
I wanted to weep at the goodbyes and laugh at the triumphs.
The acknowledgments at the end of the story were beautiful in describing how the story came to life through the eyes of young Grace and her family around her. Those pages alone could be a beautiful book.
I look forward to using this in a Stage 4 classroom. The elements of the heroes journey could be applied here and revised to suit the cultures from the story. Coming of age is a huge theme and accepting yourself despite difficulties within the family dynamic would also resonate with my kids.
Definitely recommend this story for students and parents of young kids afraid of the nighttime.
I wanted to weep at the goodbyes and laugh at the triumphs.
The acknowledgments at the end of the story were beautiful in describing how the story came to life through the eyes of young Grace and her family around her. Those pages alone could be a beautiful book.
I look forward to using this in a Stage 4 classroom. The elements of the heroes journey could be applied here and revised to suit the cultures from the story. Coming of age is a huge theme and accepting yourself despite difficulties within the family dynamic would also resonate with my kids.
Definitely recommend this story for students and parents of young kids afraid of the nighttime.
October 24, 2017
When I close the last page of this book, I can only think that this book is so very charming. It's rich in imagery, rich in the cultural language indigenous to Australia, full of lovely animals, folklore, family dynamics, and wonderful development of a young boy becoming a young man.
Girragundji, Migaloo, Mozzies, Hairyman, and sundry other culturally rich pieces of indigenous language fill the pages of this book. There are a few pages that read like stories in and of themselves.
I more than highly recommend this book for 4th and 5th grade students. If you are putting together a story on folklore, indigenous culture, or storytelling, this has to be part of your curriculum.
This definitely will be a book I read again and again.
Girragundji, Migaloo, Mozzies, Hairyman, and sundry other culturally rich pieces of indigenous language fill the pages of this book. There are a few pages that read like stories in and of themselves.
I more than highly recommend this book for 4th and 5th grade students. If you are putting together a story on folklore, indigenous culture, or storytelling, this has to be part of your curriculum.
This definitely will be a book I read again and again.
August 24, 2018
A couple of years ago, I read The Binna Binna Man, which it turns out is book two of three about the protagonist and My Girragundji is Book one. I was gifted this 20th anniversary edition and I really enjoyed reading it. But, and it’s a big but, I really don’t know what to do with it. It’s a short book at 76 pages and it includes photographs as well as text. I have no doubt my grandson could read it easily at 7 years old. However, in its story of a green tree frog offering our hero a sense of safety and security from ‘the hairy man’, the grown ups who sometimes ‘fire up’, and the bullies at school, it’s content and context are for a much older audience.
July 28, 2021
My Girragundji is the story of an Indigenous child growing up in two worlds, a boy who must contend with bullies at school and a malevolent spirit that haunts his family's house at night, as seen through the boy's eyes. He believes that with the strength and protection of his forefathers, he can face his greatest fears with the assistance of his Girragundji, a beautiful green tree frog. My Girragundji, which is full of adventure, would appeal to both children who are afraid of the dark and nature enthusiasts.
My Girragundji uses photographs and words to paint a vivid picture of a colorful and engaging family, as well as of Queensland's natural beauty, that will remain in your memory long after you've finished the book. A timeless story about family, education, and cultural differences.
My Girragundji uses photographs and words to paint a vivid picture of a colorful and engaging family, as well as of Queensland's natural beauty, that will remain in your memory long after you've finished the book. A timeless story about family, education, and cultural differences.
July 26, 2021
My girragundji is a short yet powerful book, it brings you through a story with a deep meaning. This story is told through the eyes of a young boy suffering from fear and stress until he find something that gives him the boost that he needs to get through his daily routine. However, what will happen when he loses his precious animal?
February 4, 2020
A nice little Aboriginal story about a young boy who is afraid of the Hairyman getting to him in the night, until a small girragundji (green tree frog) comes in through the window and he comes to realise she will protect him from anything.
July 26, 2021
I personally think that the book "My Girragundji" is less formal due to all of the slang, Aboriginal Language, and Aboriginal English vocabulary. What I liked about this book is the way the protagonist describes the hairyman like he's experienced the hairyman before.
July 27, 2021
Although this book is short it is still an amazing book. The main character in this book is scared of a bad spirit in the house. Until, he meets an animals that makes him less confident. However something dreadful happens to the animals that makes him upset.
Read
August 1, 2021My girragundji is about a boy who lives in a house with his family and with an Indigenous belief of The Hairyman. It watches him every night and he gets extremely scared of it. One day a girragundji (green tree frog) comes and protects him from the Hairyman and gives him strength.
November 11, 2022
im writting an essay for this in school this is a really good book so im finnally excited to go to english and do my essays it is a really good book learning about culture i think it is really exciting
September 6, 2023
I read this for school
But I ended up liking a lot more than I thought I would have
The way it is written makes your heart go out to the main character
In so little pages, the author has made me like this boy a lot
I don't even know his name
I enjoyed this a-lot
Loved it even
But I ended up liking a lot more than I thought I would have
The way it is written makes your heart go out to the main character
In so little pages, the author has made me like this boy a lot
I don't even know his name
I enjoyed this a-lot
Loved it even
January 21, 2025
My Girragundji (a green tree frog) brings hope and strength to a young boy. Who is growing up through adolescence being bullied. He is also torn between the two cultures and finding courage within himself.
A coming-of-age book.
A coming-of-age book.
March 8, 2018
I’m a big fan of the heart and earthy feel found in this book. A well crafted story that is relevant.
June 24, 2020
Loved it.
Brought a smile to me.
Will use it next term with my class.
Interesting style of writing
Brought a smile to me.
Will use it next term with my class.
Interesting style of writing
September 16, 2020
It was alright liked the frog. Was sad when it died tho. 😥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
An Aboriginal boy is frightened of a bad spirit. His ancestors send a frog to guide him. He grows in strength and courage with the help of his frog, his girragundji.
August 5, 2012
Tapping in to the spirit of a living thing can be a magical balm for a lonely soul.
p.34 When I look in my gundji’s eyes, she speaks to me.
A touching story of a boy seeking some kind of identity in a world fractured by racial discomforts.
A beautiful idea, but somehow the book weathers the final narrative.
My poetic review is on my blog Songlines on the Winds.
p.34 When I look in my gundji’s eyes, she speaks to me.
A touching story of a boy seeking some kind of identity in a world fractured by racial discomforts.
A beautiful idea, but somehow the book weathers the final narrative.
My poetic review is on my blog Songlines on the Winds.
October 13, 2014
my girragundji is a very good book that I recommend to readers that like short and entertaining books
My favourite part is how Meme describes their hairy man and how he is bad but their aunty's is good
The part that was sad was when the girramundji dies from the snake.
My favourite part is how Meme describes their hairy man and how he is bad but their aunty's is good
The part that was sad was when the girramundji dies from the snake.
July 19, 2022
This book does its job well and shows the perspective of a young Indigenous boy who is understanding himself and his role within his family. It is not a book I would rave about but being a short book, it is worth a read. I also liked that it taught me some Aboriginal terms.
June 6, 2012
Enjoyable
August 5, 2012
Excellent book
September 15, 2012
Captures the kinship connections of indigenous culture and allows the kids of today to find their own senses of belonging to the land.
January 29, 2015
A beautiful book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews