An interesting creation story, that is based off of Australian folktales. I cannot say that I’ve read a lot of books like this, which makes this one pretty unique. Like many folklore stories this book is beautifully illustrated with Aboriginal art. I have always been interested in different creation myths and their universal similarities so this one is important to be aware of. ( )

This is a creation story for the southern people of Australia. I think this book has a very kid friendly language to explain how the earth was created in simple terms. simple in darkness becoming light. Younger level kids such as pre k to 2nd grade will be able to understand and grasp this concept. ( )

Sun Mother Wakes the World is a beautiful telling of "how life on earth came to be". Children are very curious on this topic and the Australians have given a very beautiful interpretation of how it could have happened. I really enjoyed the bright colors, the oranges blues and reds that really spoke fire and life to me. The story is simply one of darkness becoming light and waking up creatures that already existed. I believe kids will enjoy imagining this story as how their beautiful earth came to be and that the sun mother was so nurturing. This folktale says that the earth is in a continual creation process called The Dreamtime and I definitely can agree with that. ( )

This is a retelling of an Aboriginal creation story from southern Australia. No specific group is mentioned, but it does highlight general aspects of Aboriginal culture, like The Dreamtime. In this story, Sun Mother in the sky is the first thing to wake. She then wakes up all the creatures of the earth. I like the Australian focus, since the first animals she wakes are a wombats, a kangaroo, an emu, and a platypus. Then Sun Mother gave birth to a son, Moon, and a daughter, Morning Star who would give light to the animals in the evening and morning. They gave birth to the first woman and man. This story shows how animals and humans are connected, and the message is for humans to take care of the earth as their birthplace.
The author is not Australian, but made several trips there to find out about this story. The illustrations are done in Australian folk art style with bright colors and Aboriginal designs. The illustrator, Bronwyn Bancroft, is an Aboriginal artist.

Valuable cultural work of art. Well-researched, includes author's note. Just not my cup of tea, I guess. ( )