Meet the illustrator Melissa Greenwood

This is Melissa's newest book due out in March, 2024

Melissa Greenwood is a Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung, Dunghutti women from the mid north coast of NSW, with a background community services, education, community development and events. Melissa has been living and working in the Victorian Aboriginal community for over 7 years.

Melissa works with her mother Lauren Jarrett to create colourful designs for a range of products from original artworks, to clothing, and homeware items. Some of their successful business adventures include a partnership with skincare brand Jurlique and a collection with retailer Adairs. In this interview Melissa talks about her inspiration. 

This week the CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) announced the 2024 Notables or long list for our children's book awards.  It was good to see a number of indigenous titles (see below) but the two latest books by Melissa Greenwood missed the cut and my friend who works in a school library was surprised. 

Miimi Marrall Mother Earth

Miimi Marraal, she created us, you and me ...

From Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, of mother-daughter art and design label Miimi and Jiinda, comes a deeply felt and heart-stirring picture book about the connection between mothers, babies and Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth.

We were sent this book for the 2022 CBCA judging. Here are my comments:

The tactile cover of this book is so appealing as are the soft pastel colours. The author explains this text is deeply personal but the story does have a universal feel. It reads like an intimate lullaby sung to a new baby. It is filled with hope, wisdom and love. I especially like the art on the page “you will always have sunshine, and water and beautiful places to play, swim and dance.” It would be good to pair this book with Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour.

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.  Kids' Book Review

Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean

Gaagal (ocean) is our special place, we love to swim in the waves. We'll catch some yamaarr (fish), eat, dance and play games.

"We see whales singing up their babies and dolphins splashing through the waves. They are our totems, you see, they make us feel safe."

The artwork complementing this story is spectacular, starting with the wavelike endpapers. Each page is a feast of colour, with bold black used for emphasis, inviting the young reader to explore, comment and maybe reflect on their own experience of a day at the beach. StoryLinks

My Little Barlaagany Sunshine

As the sun shines throughout the day, it warms your cheeks while we play. As the sun sets in the evening sky, say, 'Yaarri Yarraang, goodbye.'

This gentle bedtime story follows the journey a mother and child take across a day and into the Dreamtime - finding special places to visit, creatures to meet and new things to discover.

Read this review. Here is a quote: This picture book is exquisitely stunning, both visually and lyrically. Greenwood takes young readers by the hand into the Dreamtime, on a voyage that inspires yet lulls them to sleep. This moving story demonstrates the strong connection between parent and child, and also the power of storytelling. Greenwood uses abstract and dot paintings to vibrantly showcase Aboriginal Dreamtime art, complementing the prose beautifully. 

Greenwood’s art is stunning. Gorgeous colours, shapes and patterns fill every page, each with precise and special meaning that helps tell the story. This is art that speaks to your soul, and combined with Greenwood’s words, this story is a gift to all children of all cultures. Kids' Book Review

Miimi and Buwaarr, Mother and Baby

Being your miimi (mother) is the most precious gift life can give. When you were born you opened my heart as wide as the ocean.

Join Miimi (Mother) as she shares stories with her Buwaarr (baby) about the environment, language and totems; passing on the wisdom of Gumbaynggirr culture and a mother's hopes for baby's future.

Spending time with this book set today I have a renewed appreciation of these very special books. All four titles should be added to your school library. 

Here are the 2024 CBCA Indigenous Notable titles: