Down the vast eons of time, comes the story luwa tara luwa waypa, about the
transformation of a boy to a man and the search for courage and inner strength. 

The book’s title roughly means ‘Three kangaroos, three Tasmanian Aboriginal
men’. 

Dave mangenner Gough, a proud trawlwoolway
man, shares his family’s connection with tara (male forrester kangaroo),
linking readers to ancient Tasmanian culture. 

Gough’s rhythmic language
vivifies the story, his background as writer, director, performer and producer
evident. The story is further enriched by niyakara’s strong internal dialogue.

Gough uses
palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) language, shown in lowercase to differ with
English. You can hear the author read the story here and
via the QR code featured in the book. My 9-year-old and 11-year-old children
were fascinated to hear the palawa language. We read the story a few times to
ensure we fully understood its language and message. Written for readers 7
years and older, this book will be most appealing for upper primary through to
older teenagers. Please refer to the teaching notes here. 

Samantha
Campbell, descended from the Dagoman people from Katherine, has
created expressive illustrations. I especially love the way niyakara’s facial
expressions have been portrayed, his emotions jumping from the page.

Gough and Campbell have created an important
book that plays a part in bringing all Australians together using vivid and
evocative storytelling. I hail from Gundungurra and Darug country in the Blue
Mountains NSW and I sincerely thank Gough and Campbell for allowing me to
connect with lutruwita (Tasmania).

Title: luwa tara luwa waypa
Author: Dave mangenner Gough
Illustrator: Samantha Campbell
Publisher: Aboriginal Studies Press, $26.95
Publication Date: 1 July 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922752062
For ages: 7+
Type: Picture Book