Menna is a wattle blossom. The Menna series of 6 books is about her adventures through the seasonal year. One for each season. The seasons are the 6 Nyoongar, Aboriginal seasons of the area of the South West of Western Australia, or Wadjuk Nyoongar Boodjar (Perth region)
The first book, Menna Djilbar August – September, begins the series with an Acacia or Wattle tree in full bloom in Djilbar season – August-September. The season of the year when the Acacias/Wattles are in full bloom. Followed by
Menna 2 Kambarang October-November
Menna 3 Birak December – January
Menna 4 Bunuru February – March
Menna 5 Djeran April – May
Menna 6 Makuru June – July
With the permission for language by Dr. Noel Nannup respected Elder of the Wadjuk Nyoongar community and Nyoongar linguist, Alison Nannup’s expertise, a Nyoongar Yindjibarndi woman, the books incorporate the Nyoongar words for many of the indigenous flora and fauna.
Each page has a clear explanation of the language word/s and at the back of each book there is a dictionary and season explanation specific to that book and a pronunciation support page. This is intended as a guide if the reader is interested. Some of the words can be a little fun for other language speaking people to get their tongue around.
The books are aimed to encourage a child’s exploration of language with an older reader, the young up and coming independent reader and of course anyone interested in learning a little on the seasons and language of the Wadjuk Nyoongar peoples of the Perth area.
The books are an attempt at a ‘nod’ to a possible integration between the two main languages and cultures that live in this area in the 21st century.
Purchasing the books is via the email MennaBooks@mail.com on the contact page.
You can either purchase Menna, the first book on her own or the series of 6 books in a delightful gift box. Chat soon
I hope you enjoy the stories