Miimi Marraal Mother Earth is a truly stunning picture book about land, culture and motherhood.

Miimi Marraal,
she created us, you and me.

She birthed the nyami;
she’s the giver of life and created all that we see.

Brought to readers through beautiful flowing poetry, the story is a message from a mother to her child, imparting wisdom about life, love, family, land and responsibility.

My precious baby,
know you are protected by your ancestors,
your totems and me.
And you belong to this land —
she will take care of you, you see.

Reading this book is like being invited to share an intimate moment between mother and child. The book welcomes readers into a special conversation and leaves you feeling warm, protected and inspired to live your best life. It’s simply beautiful.

It also shares important First Nations culture and stories, gifting knowledge to all Australians so that we can all learn more about our country and First Nations people.

Each page is accompanied by beautiful artwork is stunning peach-pink hues. It is art that speaks to the soul and helps carry the words through the book, filling you with warmth as you read.

At the start of the book, author/illustrator Melissa Greenwood invites you to learn about her heritage and the meaning of Miimi Maraal, both to her and her people. Make sure you start here when you read, because the story has even deeper meaning when you understand where it comes from. And then read it again at the end and cement learning and understanding of this stunning book.

This is a special picture book, a book I hope you will seek out and experience because I believe it can be so many things to lots of different people: a beautiful gift for new mothers everywhere, a conversation starter about First nations culture, a stunning collection of art you will be tempted to remove and put on your walls, and a song that speaks to hearts and inspires greatness.

Melissa Greenwood is the founder and director of Miimi and Jiinda, and has just launched Ochre by Miimi and Jiinda, a fashion and homewares label. She was born on her Gumbaynggir jagun (homelands) in Coffs Harbour and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Nations.

Thank you for creating this powerful picture book, Melissa. I will treasure it forever.

Title: Miimi Marraal Mother Earth
Author/Illustrator: Melissa Greenwood
Publisher: HarperCollins, $
Publication Date: 4 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780733341632
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

June 4, 2022 at 12:58AM Shaye Wardrop