Malu-Kangaroo: How The First Children Learnt To Surf

A modern indigenous story told in the traditional style combining Dreamtime legend and contemporary imagery.

"I will show you how to play with the ocean,"

Said Malu-Kangaroo.

He took some wood

And he worked it,

And he shaped it and rubbed it and smoothed it,

And he floated it upon the water...

Described by the author as a modern myth, Malu-Kangaroo is a poignant story which tells how people first learnt to surf. Malu-Kangaroo, a kangaroo spirit, carves a piece of wood and takes it to some children playing on a beach. He floats it on the water and shows them how to use it. The children learn to balance and guide the board through the waves, "riding the high crests" and "flying before the crashing breakers".

With beautiful, evocative text and vibrant, intricate illustrations by acclaimed indigenous artist Bronwyn Bancroft, 'Malu-Kangaroo' combines Dreamtime and contemporary imagery.