The River by Sally Morgan illustrated by Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr

"I love the river near my home. I look with my eyes, I listen with my ears, I learn about the life of the river. Look with your eyes, what do you see?"

The River uses the act of looking and listening to take note of what’s around us. The double-page spreads alternate between these two senses, asking either, “Look with your eyes. What do you see?” or “Listen with your ears. What do you hear?” Each question is then answered in a three-line response, naming the animal, describing its movement or sound, and mentioning the foliage. GLAM Adelaide

Read more about The River along with some ideas for using this book with your group of students on the Paperbark Words Blog and Joy Lawn. 

A universal story from Sally Morgan – this time a beautifully illustrated celebration of the life of the river. The River takes the reader on a journey of what their eyes can see and their ears can hear. See green ants crawling, hear frogs croaking, a goanna running, a fish splashing... Sally Morgan’s beautiful words and Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr’s sensitive artwork combine to make this a unique, distinctive children’s picture book with global appeal. Johnny infuses his illustrations with his fine-art aesthetic and his traditional motifs to bring each page to vivid life. Magabala Books

If you are looking for perfect indigenous picture books to share with any group of students try to find this series.  There are three books so far.

In 2017 Johnny was the inaugural winner of the Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award. As the recipient of the biennial award, Johnny received $10,000, a mentorship and the opportunity to illustrate the children's picture book, Little Bird's Day by renowned author and illustrator Sally Morgan. Here is a video of Johnny reading his book. 

• CBCA 2020 Notable Book of the Year: Early Childhood
• CBCA 2020 Notable Book of the Year: Picture Book

A simple, universal story of a day in the life of Little Bird as she sings the world alive, flies with Cloud, travels with Wind, nestles with Moon and dreams of flying among the stars. Sally's gentle words and Johnny's intricate artwork combine to make this a beautiful, distinctive publication with global appeal. Johnny infuses his illustrations with his fine-art aesthetic, his traditional motifs and a quirky sense of humour. Magabala Books

Here is the newest book in this series. 

Another simple, universal story from Sally Morgan and Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr, this time, a beautifully illustrated celebration of rain. Thank you rain! is a joyful read, and is full of the plants and animals that welcome rain: raindrops in the treetops; birds singing in the rain; raindrops wetting the dry earth and filling creek beds; birds, frogs and kangaroos all enjoying the rain and finishing with Johnny dancing with happiness! Sally Morgan’s beautiful words and Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr’s sensitive artwork combine to give this distinctive children’s picture book global appeal. Johnny infuses his illustrations with his fine-art aesthetic and traditional motifs to bring each page to vivid life. Magabala Books

Here are other wonderful books by Sally Morgan - thanks to Children's Books Daily for creating this collage of covers.