Wilderness Society Celebrates Nedingar: Ancestors by Isobel Bevis and Leanne Zilm with a Nature Book Week Story Time Event

Paper Bird Children’s Bookshop in Fremantle will host author Isobel Bevis for the Wilderness Society’s Nature Book Week Story Time on Sunday 20 October at 9.30 am. This story time event will feature Nedingar: Ancestors, a dual-language picture book by Isobel Bevis and Leanne Zilm that has been shortlisted for the Wilderness Society’s Karajia Award.

Isobel Bevis – a Wilman, Ballardong Noongar writer born and raised in Collie in the south-west of Western Australia – said she was thrilled a book about Country, language and Ancestors has been recognised. She said, ‘When I wrote Nedingar, it was to help me stay connected to family and Country at a time when I was feeling disconnected. Nedingar is about the reciprocal relationship Noongar people have with Country, the love and protection we get but also what we can give back to ensure Country is always here.’

In Nedingar: Ancestors, a young child wants to meet their Ancestors. Their mother gently explains that they have already met their Ancestors — yesterday, today and tomorrow — and that they are everywhere in Country, walking close behind them.

The Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature, now in its 30th year, recognises books that inspire a love for nature – from the soil below to the canopy above. The winner of the Picture Book category will be announced on Saturday 12 October at 2.30 pm AEDT. Get your tickets to storytime here:Nature Book Week: Story Time with Isobel Bevis