The Echidna and the Shade Tree by Mona Green and Pamela Lofts
Paperback
This book is based on a story told by Mona Green, of the Jaru people, to Aboriginal children living in Halls Creek, Western Australia.
The illustrations are adapted from the children's original paintings of the story. Mona Green said, "When my husband was a stockman, we used to go out to Nongra Lake to see if the cattle had enough water. I had heard the story about this giant lake, and I think that from the air it would look like a tree with roots stretching out."
About the Author
Pamela Lofts lives in Alice Springs were she has developed a series of books with Aboriginal storytellers and children based on their traditional stories. She has also illustrated a number of picture books, including the classic Koala Lou written by Mem Fox, and Wombat Stew.