Publisher's synopsis
The epic and tragic story of Jandamarra, Indigenous hero of the Kimberley told through text and illustrations. A story for all Australians, providing a unique insight into an extraordinary man and a powerful slice of history.
He emerged from the cave of bats with the name given to him by his people. He was Jandamarra – a man of power who could appear and disappear like a ghost.
Set in the Kimberley region in north-west Australia, this is the story of a young warrior born to lead. To the settlers, he was an outlaw to be hunted. To the Bunuba, he was a courageous defender of his country.
Mark Greenwood’s text and Terry Denton’s watercolour illustrations bring to life this story of conflict and divided loyalties – giving a unique insight into an extraordinary man and a tragic but important part of Australia’s frontier history.
Awards
- Shortlisted, CBCA Book of the Year, Eve Pownell Award for Information Books, 2014
- Shortlisted, Speech Pathology Book of the Year, Indigenous Children, 2013
- Shortlisted, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature, 2014
- Shortlisted, 2014 West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards, Picture Books, 2014
Mark Greenwood is a history hunter. His award-winning books include The Legend of Lasseter’s Reef and The Legend of Moondyne Joe, both winners of the West Australian Premier’s Book Award. Mark often teams with his wife, illustrator Frané Lessac, to produce titles such as Midnight – the story of a light horse, Ned Kelly & The Green Sash and Simpson and His Donkey, a CBCA Honour Book and a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Jandamarra, illustrated by Terry Denton, was shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award, the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature and the West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards. The Happiness Box, illustrated by Andrew McLean, was a 2019 CBCA Honour book.
Bio and photo: Walker Books Australia
Terry Denton has been creating children’s books for over 30 years. He has worked with many of Australia’s top authors, written much-loved picture books and junior fiction novels, won more than 40 children’s choice awards and been shortlisted many times in the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards. His Felix and Alexander won Picture Book of the Year in 1986. His books include The Upside-down History of Downunder with Alison Lloyd, The Worm Who Knew Karate with Jill Lever, as well as the Gasp! books and the animated TV series, and the world-famous Just! books and Treehouse series with Andy Griffiths. His work is characterised by a devious sense of humour, an adventurous and inventive drawing style and an informed flair for what interests and amuses kids.
Bio: Penguin Books Australia
Photo: James Penlidis Photography, courtesy of Penguin Books Australia
