9 Picture Books in Yugambeh Language
Resource for Parents and Educators
Note on Cultural Respect: As we share First Nations stories and languages, especially as non-Indigenous people, it’s vital to approach with deep respect, humility, and care. All of the resources listed here have been made publicly available by First Nations people and organisations. I share them to support respectful learning with my daughter and others. If you're considering using First Languages beyond personal learning, please seek guidance and permission. For more, check out Koori Curriculum's resource on Aboriginal Protocols, a great starting point to grow your understanding.
I’ve gathered nine beautiful picture books written in Yugambeh, the language of the Yugambeh people, whose lands include what we now call the Gold Coast and surrounding regions.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, or educator, I hope these stories help you and your little ones listen, learn, and connect more deeply with First Nations languages and cultures.
Yugambeh is one of more than 250 First Nations languages, with around 800 dialects, traditionally spoken across the lands we now call Australia. According to the 2021 census, there are 208 Yugambeh speakers today, and 78,656 speakers of Indigenous languages across the country. Decades of community-led work have gone into revitalising Yugambeh, and it’s a privilege to be able to learn from and with these books.
1. My Danggan (Hands) Love to Clap
Available at Brisbane City Gold Coast and Logan Libraries
This joyful book gets little ones (and grown-ups) moving with claps, stomps, and smiles. It’s one of our three-year-old’s absolute favourites to dance along to. It’s also a wonderful introduction to Yugambeh body words like Danggan (hands) and Jinang (feet).
Created by Yugambeh author and illustrator, Faith Baisden, a long-time language revitalisation leader, author, illustrator, and director of Binabar Books, this title is part of a rich catalogue supporting early language learning through song and story.
✨ Each new copy includes a QR code linking to audio so you can hear the pronunciation and sing along at home.
🧰 Educator Packs are also available from Binabar Books with more songs in Yugambeh.
2. Lenny and the Big Red Gullai (Bag)
Available at Brisbane City and Gold Coast libraries
This books reminds me of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. It follows Lenny as he collects natural treasures, from gum leaves to beetles, into his Gullai (bag). Our little one loves chanting along to the rhythm of this colourful journey.
✨ Includes QR code for song and pronunciation
🧩 Optional card game available featuring characters from the book
3. No Kuruhman (kangaroos) on the Bus
Available at Gold Coast and Logan Libraries
This fun story reminds me of The Wheels on the Bus. It follows Lenny as he boards a bus with some unexpected animal friends. The driver isn’t too thrilled about the passengers, but Lenny kindly asks for more to join. Along the way, readers are introduced to Yugambeh words for animals, from Kuruhman (kangaroo) to Ngagam (dog).
You can support the author and illustrator by purchasing directly from Binabar Books. An Educator's Pack is also available, which includes more easy-to-learn Yugambeh songs to sing with your children. The book is also available from the State Library of Queensland shop.
Newer editions include a QR code linking to audio of the song and correct pronunciations. You can hear a sample here.
4. Caring for Kiara – A healthy Jarjum
Available at Brisbane City and Gold Coast libraries
This story follows Kiara, a jarjum (child), as she visits the doctor for a regular check-up. It's a helpful, reassuring story that introduces little ones to Yugambeh words for body parts and explains common steps in a doctor’s visit.
Support the creators by purchasing directly from Binabar Books, where an Educator's Pack with songs is also available. You can also find it at the State Library of Queensland shop.
5. Yugambeh Jagun
Available to purchase directly from Binabar Books
This latest release from Faith and Binabar Books celebrates the beauty of Yugambeh Jagun (Country). It features stunning illustrations of local flora and fauna—from Gumburra (macadamia) to Borobi (koala).
It's perfect for little ones and makes a beautiful gift for adults wanting to learn more about local language and environment.
Support the author and illustrator by purchasing directly from Binabar Books, or find it at the State Library of Queensland shop. An Educator’s Pack is also available with songs in Yugambeh.
6. Pingin’s Journey to Happiness
Available to purchase directly from Nature Play Resources
This is the first book in a lovely series by Budjari author-illustrator Jenny Sheward-Spence. While Jenny is not from the Yugambeh Nation, as a local now living on Yugambeh Country, her books support ongoing revitalisation of the language.
This story follows Pingin (turtle in Yugambeh) as he searches for happiness through friendship. He meets new friends like Borobi (koala) and others, while introducing readers to Yugambeh words for numbers 1–5 and native animals. The book includes an Acknowledgement of Country in Yugambeh.
You can also purchase memory cards and posters with animals and numbers from the story via Nature Play Resources.
7. Pingin’s Happy Day at the Beach
Available to purchase directly from Nature Play Resources
In this second book from Jenny Sheward-Spence, Pingin returns to help rescue local marine life from rubbish like plastic bags and fishing line. He meets new sea friends like Gowanda (dolphin) and learns about responsibility and caring for Country.
This book introduces emotional words in English and Yugambeh, like Gigeri (sad) and Yalburu (happy), while reinforcing the importance of looking after our environment.
Matching memory cards and posters with Yugambeh vocabulary are also available from Nature Play Resources.
8. Our Day at Burragah Kindy (Nyungai Ngullina Nyumbajaburuyah Buuragah)
Available at Brisbane City and Logan libraries
This delightful book was created by jarjums (children) from Deadly Kindy Burragah to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day and Early Childhood Educators’ Day.
It features painted illustrations from the jarjums showing familiar routines, arriving at kindy, playing, making healthy food, and spending time with friends.
Our 3-year-old loved seeing artwork by other kids and the recognisable daily activities. The book includes a full Acknowledgement of Country in Yugambeh and has full sentences in both English and Yugambeh, translated by Yugambeh linguist Shaun Davies.
Copies are available to purchase via the ATSICHS Brisbane website, with all profits supporting Deadly Kindys.
9. Jarjum Gurema
Available at Scenic Rim and Logan libraries
Jarjum Gurema means “children’s story” in Yugambeh (Mununjali dialect). It was created by Mununjali Jymbi Support Services, Ja Jabuny Club, and the Mununjali Playgroup, and features local greetings and totem animals.
You can download and print your own copy from the Scenic Rim Council website. The site also includes pronunciation videos and beautiful printables featuring the book’s Yugambeh and English words.
It even includes a song about animals in Yugambeh, set to the tune of Frère Jacques, a favourite in our house!
Want to learn more Yugambeh Language?
Check out this resource full of videos, free printables, podcast episodes and more to keep listening, learning, and celebrating First Languages.