Aunty Rhonda Collard- Spratt and Jacki Ferro’s Grandfather Emu and How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch is the first in a series called The Spirit of Dreaming. It’s about the Great Spirit who comes to Earth disguised as a broken old emu called Grandfather Weitj. He asks for help from many animals, but they are all too busy, selfish or lazy. Only Mother Yonga, a kangaroo with a joey helps Grandfather Weitj. As a reward the Great Spirit gives kangaroos a pouch so their babies will always be safe.

When Aunty Rhonda talks about The Spirit of the Dreaming series, she talks about how these stories are based on Aboriginal teachings but that these are new Dreamings, because Aboriginal culture isn’t stagnant; it’s a living, breathing, evolving culture. I could not agree more, and the teachings in Grandfather Emu are ancient but also as relevant today as they were 60,000 years ago. I can’t think of a better way to teach your child about kindness, respect and community than with this beautifully illustrated book. For ages 2+.

Dani Solomon is the assistant manager at Readings Kids.