“Gadi Mirrabooka”

Australian Aboriginal Tales from the Dreaming

Retold by Pauline McLeod, June Barker and Francis Firebrace
Edited by Helen F. McKay
World Folklore Series
2001, Pages: xviii, 135p. + 8p. Insert Color plates, Size: 7x10, Cloth
ISBN 1-56308-923-8

Take a journey into the fascinating world of Australia's Aboriginal culture with this unique collection of 33 authentic, unaltered stories brought to you by three Aboriginal storyteller custodians! Unlike other compilations of tales that were modified and published without permission from the Aboriginal people, these stories are now presented with approval from Aboriginal elders in an effort to help foster a better understanding of the history and culture of the Aboriginal people.

Gadi Mirrabooka, which means "below the Southern Cross," introduces wonderful tales from the Dreamtime, the mystical period of Aboriginal beginning. Through these stories you can learn about customs and values, animal psychology, hunting and gathering skills, cultural norms, moral behavior, the spiritual belief system, survival skills, and food resources. A distinctive and absolutely compelling story collection, this book is an immensely valuable treasure for educators, parents, children, and adult readers. Grades K—Adult.

'One of the most interesting and varied collections of Aboriginal stories I have seen... The stories have the unmistakable stamp of authenticity, and offer a great variety in themes and levels of complexity.'
- Dr. Gwenda Beed Davey, co-editor of the Oxford Companion to Australian Folklore and Honorary Research Associate, National Centre for Australian Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

'At last we have a collection of Aboriginal tales we may use with the blessings of the elders. And such delightful stories! An amazing book and a great resource!'
- Dr. Margaret Read MacDonald, an author, storyteller, and folklorist based in Kirkland, Washington, USA.

More details and ordering:www.gadimirrabooka.com/

Helen McKay and Berice Dudley Phone: (Helen) 02 4959 7741 or(Berice) 02 9281 3848 Fax: 02 4959 9666 - Mob: 0418 484 396 email: stories@helenmckay.com

PO Box 109, Toronto, NSW 2283 AUSTRALIA