Welcome to Country, by Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy

Finding the perfect book for a little one's arrival into the world is a big task. After all, this new person has changed the world, already, in just their first few minutes. The moment the Bea arrived, I knew I would never be the same - and nor would our friends or family (or neighbours, who no doubt wondered where their quiet, peaceful evenings had gone). The universe changes with the arrival of someone you love.

And that is why it takes me a kabillion hours in the bookshop each time a friend has a baby (ha. In fairness, I'll use any excuse).

The good news is that these kabillion hours have rewarded me with a few perfect books for a new baby!

One of which, is the beautiful Welcome to Country told by Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy and illustrated (stunningly so) by Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy.

A Welcome to Country (or Wominjeka ceremony) is a ceremony where visitors are welcomed to country and given permission to enter traditional lands. This is a detailed Welcome from the Wurundjeri people, who were Melbourne's first inhabitants, and tells the story of Wurundjeri (the sacred river white gum), Bunjil the eagle (the creator spirit) and the Wurundgeri people. The enduring message, beautifully told, is of a people who belong to the country as much as the country belongs to them.

The illustrations are amazing and I think it's a must for every bookshelf, to give children from all cultures a better understanding of the first Australians and to celebrate the true beginnings of our country.

It's also a particularly moving book for a brand new arrival to the world and to Country, and the perfect present for overseas or interstate relatives as a special gift from Melbourne, the Country of the Wurundjeri people.

Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koondee bik. Welcome to Country.

the book and the bea x

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, by Kate Pankhurst

pic credit: Clare Martin-Lapworth

Happy International Women's Week!

Yes, yes, I know it's actually only a day but with all that women accomplish, day in, day out, and with everything that is happening right now in the world that sets us back, I've decided that we'll be celebrating with an entire week.

Starting with this gorgeous book that every little girl should own - Great Women who Changed the World, by Kate Pankhurst.

If that name sounds a little familiar, it's because Kate Pankhurst is a descendant of Emmeline Pankhurst, who led the British suffragette movement, eventually winning women the right to vote in 1918.

This gorgeously illustrated book explores the achievements of some of the most amazing women the world has seen, who have overcome so much to achieve even more, literally changing the world around them for the better.

Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Marie Curie, Coco Chanel - the women featured are diverse and inspiring. I found myself learning a lot actually, I was a little shocked at just how little I know about the women who shaped my own life.

Right now, when it comes to women's fundamental rights, it feels like the world is going backwards in so many ways. But this bright and hopeful little book reminded me of how far we've come and how one person really can change the world. It's a must for the bookshelf of every girl, who we need to tell, every day, that they are deserving, they are fantastically great and they can - and will - change the world.

via institute of mums

the book and the bea x