Ninni Yabini named a critical resource in the preservation of Indigenous language
Ninni Yabini by Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker and Tyrown Waigana has been selected for the IBBY-UNESCO Collection of Remarkable Books for Young Readers in Indigenous and Endangered Languages.
Chosen by an international committee of influential experts on children’s books after a global call for submissions, the list was unveiled at the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa Canada on 6 August.
Fremantle Press author and Bookaburras Ambassador Cheryl Kickett-Tucker said she was blown away. ‘What an amazing, fantastic opportunity to raise interest and highlight our wonderful language. It means so much to be able to honour our Ancestors and Elders and the stories we hold so deeply. I am very grateful for the support of Fremantle Press and dedicate this honour with respect to ngala ngangk Shirley Dawn.
Due to a lack of speakers, an estimated 40% of the 7,000 languages around the world may disappear by the turn of the 21st century.
The list came about when the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and UNESCO joined forces to request that publishers and librarians recommend titles that would inspire future generations of readers, in order to pool the world’s resources in service of Indigenous languages.
Ninni Yabini, is written in English and Noongar. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Ninni Yabini, who wanders off while her parents are distracted – then uses the evening star (her namesake) to guide her home.
Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker is a highly respected Wadjuk Noongar Traditional Owner, research academic, community development practitioner, youth basketball coach, public speaker and author. Cheryl has worked with Australian Aboriginal people all her life in the fields of education, sport and health, and is very passionate about using her knowledge and experience to make a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal children and their families. She is co-ambassador for the Books for Little Bookaburras program, which helps share mini libraries with 4,500 children throughout Western Australia.
Tyrown Waigana is a Wardandi Noongar (south-west cape country) and Ait Koedhal (Torres Strait Islander) multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer. He has illustrated five dual-language titles with a sixth on the way.
