Celebrating culture, identity and truth through storytelling
Culturally relevant books and resources play a vital role in helping First Nations children and young people feel connected to their identity. When children see their cultures, languages and lived experiences reflected in the stories they read, it fosters a sense of belonging, pride and possibility.
That’s the purpose of Our Yarning — a First Nations-led collection of children’s books developed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The collection is published through Library For All, a not-for-profit enterprise of Save the Children Australia that hosts unique children’s stories from around the world, ensuring every child’s right to culture, language and representation is upheld.
Our Yarning is a platform for First Nations authors and illustrators to share knowledge, culture, and lived experience in their own voice and on their own terms. The collection plays an important role in cultural preservation, ensuring the next generation has access to stories that reflect their identity.
Our Yarning includes a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature that reflects the interests, knowledge and experiences of
First Nations children across Australia.
Expolore the collection here.
Meet some of our artists
The Our Yarning Artist in Residence program supports emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander illustrators to build their skills and contribute to children’s books.
Alysha (left) and Riker (right) are two of the artists whose work is bringing Our Yarning to life.
Alysha
Alysha was born in Mt Isa, Queensland, on the land of the Kalkutungu (Kalkadoon) people. She is of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, with connections to Kalkutungu and Moa Island, Kubin Village. She began her artistic journey in graphic design and now completes freelance artworks for many First Nations peoples. She finds true pride in helping her people bring their ideas to life.
Alysha’s work includes:
Riker
Riker is a Noongar artist from Perth, Western Australia, with extensive experience in acrylic painting, digital art, illustration, and design. Inspiration comes to Riker in all forms: they draw from the Earth, the Ocean, and what connects them emotionally to Country and soul.
Riker’s work includes:
Our Yarning also offers non-Indigenous readers an authentic window into the identity and lived experience of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Inclusivity in literature is powerful and important. Books that reflect First Nations cultures and identities support positive learning experiences and help First Nations children feel seen, valued, and connected to reading.
As part of Save the Children’s legacy of championing children’s rights, Our Yarning is a vital contribution to truth-telling and cultural preservation. We invite you to listen deeply, learn respectfully, and share these stories with care — amplifying First Nations voices in ways that honour culture, truth and connection.
Explore the Our Yarning collection here.
Photos: Supplied by Library For All.