Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
This hard covered children’s picture book, Come Home, Bigibila, is presented by First Nations literary creators and is the story about a young echidna. The reader is told that Bigibila, is the Gamilaraay word for echidna and that it is the totem animal for one of the authors, Corey Tutt.
Every First Nations family has a totem, and it is passed down through generations. There is a responsibility which comes with having a totem animal and the possessor must care for that animal wherever he or she goes.
This story is about a young echidna finding its way back on to country. Bigibila was born when Dark Emu was high in the sky, out on country, where there were lots of termites. She stayed close to her mother when she was young. One day her mother decided that she was old enough to be left alone and set off to find food, telling Bigibila to stay put. But Bigibila, like many young mammals, was curious and wanted to explore.
Soon she was a long way from her country and in danger from a bird of prey. Fortunately, she was rescued and placed in an enclosure with others of her kind. But nothing felt right for Bigibila, and she knew she had to find her way back to country.
After this story, the authors have provided a glossary with key words and illustrations with their English and First Nations names. Other pages here provide information about features of echidnas, their life cycle, what they eat and why they should be left on country. There can also be found information about the key people responsible for creating this children’s book.
Each page has its own distinct background colour and contains illustrations appropriate to the words found on its page. Mother echidna must have poor eyesight as she wears large red rimmed glasses. Can echidnas wink?
The author, Cory Tutt, is the CEO and founder of DeadlyScience, and in 2020 was named the New South Wales Young Australian of the Year. Irma Gold, his co-author, is the founder and co-host of writing podcast Secrets from the Green Room with Karen Viggers. They are ably assisted by contemporary Aboriginal artist, Jessica Tedim, who is a painter and digital artist who experiments with earthy and vivid colours to reflect Mother Earth. Her native plants and animals honour Country and spirit.
This book contains an interesting story and is of great educational benefit. This is another children’s book to add to the body of work honouring First Nation’s beliefs and connection to country.
Come Home, Bigibila
(2026)
by Corey Tutt and Irma Gold
Illustrator Jessica Tedim
Allen & Unwin
ISBN:9 781761 181863
$24.99; 36pp