An informative book about a family tracking and hunting for echidnas in the outback - amongst anthills and spinifex grass. With the help of an old tobacco tin and the sun’s reflection, the mother is able to see into the echidna’s dark hideaway. Readers have great fun finding the hidden mouse in every beautifully illustrated, colourful picture! Developed with senior Indigenous cultural Elders- MK Turner OAM, Benedict Kngwarraye Stevens, Marjorie Nyunga Williams - and teenage, experienced hunters. The methods of tracking and hunting echidnas are authentic, and embedded in a fictional, but realistic, story that Indigenous people can identify with, and non-Indigenous people can learn from. The covers contemporary hunting and cultural practices, as well as history. The book raises awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures for non-Indigenous readers. As well as being a good read, this book helps to broaden awareness, to deepen understanding and to change attitudes towards Australias first peoples. Benedict Kngwarraye Stevens, Traditional owner of Mbantua (Alice Springs) says:
Culture is starting to fade away with kids growing up only in town. This book works to connect them back to country. Makes it more powerful, youve got both ways in this book.