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Teaching Children to Care for Our World
Dressing for Dreamtime is a contemporary retelling of a traditional Dreamtime tale from Australia, delving into the sacred Aboriginal concept of the Dreamtime. Why was it important for you to turn this into a children’s book?
I believe that not enough information about Australia is available to children. The belief system of the Aboriginal community in Australia has remained in its ancient roots. They are very similar to our Native Americans, in that they were close to nature and had great respect for it, which they passed on to their children. It is our responsibility to teach our children the sacred in nature. The study of such ancient belief systems is a start. Our children will be next up to take care of the natural world around us.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I did study the Aboriginal culture and belief system. It is fascinating to me and I wanted to share what I had learned with young readers. I also researched the animals that played a key role in our story. My desire to teach leads to the glossary, which information was researched prior to its creation.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
As a youngster, I always loved animals of all kinds. The zoo was a mecca for me. I started writing at a young age making animals(especially those in Australia), the key characters in my tales. My greatest dream was to travel to Australia to see and experience their wildlife. I finally got there, and although I had written middle-grade novels which included much Australian flora and fauna, the trip made the most impact on my continuing to write in order to highlight endangered animals.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book is finished. It will be entitled; The Last Ayer, and will be available in late 2024. It will again feature some endangered animals of Australia and will be a cautionary environmental tale. It will be in my editors hands within the next month or so. 🙂
This is the proposed cover – a work in progress.
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Then, they have the brilliant idea of enhancing their own natural markings for ones they think are “extra special” rather than accept themselves for who they are, but it all turns a bit sour.
How do they learn to accept themselves rather than pretend they need to be different? The lizards soon discover that truth is more important, and also that forgiveness goes both ways in Dressing for Dreamtime..
Besides the story, the book contains a 38-page Glossary featuring color photos and descriptions of some mammals and locations in Australia and the Outback.
Dressing for Dreamtime
In the vast expanse of the Australian Outback, Dressing for Dreamtime, by J.E. Rogers, introduces readers to Nintaka, a young monitor lizard embarking on a pre-ceremonial walk. The Dreamtime Ceremony, a significant event in the outback, gathers all animals to express gratitude and celebrate. Nintaka’s journey takes a turn when he meets Milbili, a goanna lizard. Together, they decide to dress up for the occasion, but their plans quickly go awry, leading to unexpected challenges.
This book is a contemporary retelling of a traditional Dreamtime tale from Australia, delving into the sacred Aboriginal concept of the Dreamtime — the origin of creation and a nexus between the physical and the spiritual world. Through the adventures of two lizard friends, the narrative is infused with humor and a subtle moral lesson, making it both entertaining and informative. The story’s vivid structure and the accompanying bright, culturally respectful artwork pay tribute to Australia’s rich heritage. An extensive glossary at the book’s end, complete with full-color photos, extends the learning experience, inviting readers to explore Australia’s unique flora and fauna. The inclusion of user-friendly internet links provides an opportunity for further exploration, leading to discoveries like the enigmatic thylacine.
Dressing for Dreamtime is a multifaceted gem, offering cultural insight, educational content, and captivating storytelling. It’s an excellent resource for anyone interested in Australian mythology, zoology, and botany, appealing to a wide audience from curious youngsters to adults. The book offers an opportunity for a wonderful shared reading experience, whether in family settings or educational environments, inviting all to partake in the anticipation of Nintaka and Milbili’s Dreamtime Ceremony. This narrative is an invitation to celebrate the spirit of Australia and its ancient cultural traditions.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0C9GHHB3Z
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