Norn and Kaarda
Norn and Kaarda is a timeless story about community, power, equality and respect based on a Dreamtime Story of the Nyoongar People. Norn and Kaarda, by Alton Walley with illustrations by John Walley, tells the story of a Kaarda, a ferocious goanna that rules over the land leaving all animals in fear of his venom sac. The animals simply wish to live in harmony with one another so they must work together to stop Kaarda from hurting and killing them. But Norn, the snake, takes it upon herself to put an end to Kaarda once and for all. Told in English with key words throughout in Nyoongar Language, and an accompanying glossary, Norn and Kaarda is the perfect introductory text for middle-grade readers learning about Nyoongar Dreaming Stories and respect for creatures and the eco-system.
Alton Walley is a Whadjuck, Wilman, Kaneang Nyoongar man from the south-west of Western Australia. He has been a part of the Middar dance group since he could walk, performing locally, nationally and internationally. Alton’s passion for his culture and the arts led him to write his first book, Chunyart and the Cheeky parrot, while working a cadetship with Kings Park and Botanical Gardens as part of his degree at Murdoch University in Perth.
John Walley is a Nyoongar man of the south-west of Western Australia. He has performed with his father’s dance group, Middar, since he was a child and has helped develop the Doorum Dance group, which was founded by his maternal grandmother. John is a multi-talented artist who combined traditional and contemporary elements to produce unique artworks that are recognisably his. He has been commissioned to do several major public art installations.
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