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Tasmanian Literary Awards

Sea Country by Aunty Patsy Cameron, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy (Magabala Books)

Winner People's Choice Awards 2022 Badge

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Sea Country

In this delightful children’s picture book, Aunty Patsy Cameron generously shares the stories and traditions from her family’s seasonal island life in Tasmania. With evocative text and stunning illustrations, Sea Country lets the reader know when to pick ripe wild cherries, when the moon (mutton) birds fly home and how the nautilus shells smell like the deepest oceans. Aunty Patsy Cameron, who is a descendant of the Pairebeenne Trawlwoolway clan in Tasmania, weaves a cultural homage to life on Flinder’s Island, with stories of collecting shells, fishing in wooden dinghies with long oars, and watching clouds snake their way down Mt Munro. Alongside this tender story, Lisa Kennedy reveals the love and connection to sea and Country through her intricate collages and delicate illustrations that sing country alive.

Read an extract from the book

About the author

Aunty Patsy Cameron is a highly regarded Elder, author, researcher and cultural historian, who recognises the need for an Aboriginal voice and perspective in the interpretation and communication of Tasmanian Aboriginal history, heritage and culture. She is herself a cultural practitioner of the art of shell necklace making, fibre and kelp craft and a storyteller of note in the community. Her approach is inclusive and evidences a life-long commitment to the progressive engagement of Tasmanians with the deep human history of their island.

About the illustrator

Lisa is a descendant of the coastal Pairebeenne/Trawlwoolway clan in North East Tasmania. She has always carried a deep love of Sea and Country and has been blessed to work alongside Aunty Patsy Cameron on Sea Country. Lisa finds her most meaningful work is to collaborate with Elders to visually express the often hidden voices of Ancestors and Country in a way that is accessible to many.