Sunny and Shadow by Helen Milroy

Beginning with an Aboriginal perspective of the creation story with the viewpoint of the value of country and the place of the living things on land, this is the story of the relationship between the dingoes and the people who connect to them. Totem animals have special spiritual relationships with humans and Calla has a close connection with the cheeky dingo pup, Chichi. With some Dreamtime mystery, Calla passes through time aging naturally, but dingo pup Chichi remains in a time when the land is hard for dingo survival, but then passes into a future time through the mystery of Dreamtime spiritual power. Their connection also gives hope for the survival of the environment through the generations. 

This book is written simply, weaving Aboriginal folklore and Dreamtime mysteries together with environmental concerns. It values an Aboriginal perspective for country and a future where animals and humans can co-exist. The story has a realism and mythology connection that is more like a fantasy tale, but with Aboriginal tonal quality. Being able to communicate with dingoes is not something that contemporary city-dwelling children would consider as ‘usual’, but with an Aboriginal sensitivity it is entirely plausible. Children aged 6-8 who are exploring Aboriginal and environmental perspectives will enjoy this story which is more than a modernised Dreamtime story. Its exploration of an Aboriginal understanding is refreshing. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Aboriginal Dreamtime, Aboriginal folklore, Dingoes, Creation myths and legends, Environmental concerns.

Carolyn Hull