{"title":"Kirli Saunders","description":"\u003cp\u003eKirli Saunders weaves stories and poems that resonate deeply with themes of identity, culture, and connection to land. Her works offer a rich blend of \u003cem\u003eChildren's Books\u003c\/em\u003e and explorations of \u003cem\u003eArts \u0026amp; Culture\u003c\/em\u003e, capturing the spirit of community and the power of dreaming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect narratives that celebrate resilience, creativity, and belonging, brought to life through vivid language and evocative imagery. Saunders’ books invite reflection on personal and collective journeys, making them cherished additions to any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bindi-by-kirli-saunders-9781922613448","title":"Bindi","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWinner, 2019 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards, Daisy Utemorrah Award\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWinner, 2021 Australia Books Industry Awards, Small Publishers' Children's Book of the Year\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWinner, 2021 Queensland Literary Awards, Children's Book Award\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWinner, 2021 Speech Pathology, Australia Books of the Year Awards, Eight to ten Years\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted, 2022 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted, 2022 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature, Children's Literature Awards\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted, 2022 Ena Noel Award, The IBBY Australia Encouragement Award for a Young Emerging Writer or Illustrator\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted, 2021 Children's Book Council of Australia, Book of the Year Awards, Younger Readers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted, 2021 Australian Book Design Awards, Best Designed Children's Fiction Book\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted, 2021 Readings Children's Book Prize\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLonglisted, 2021 Colin Roderick Literary Award\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge range 8 to 12\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeet 11-year-old Bindi. She's not really into maths but loves art class and playing hockey. Her absolute favourite thing is adventuring outside with friends or her horse, Nell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA new year starts like normal - school, family, hockey, dancing. But this year hasn't gone to plan! There's a big art assignment, a drought, a broken wrist, and the biggest bushfires her town has ever seen!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBindi\u003c\/em\u003e is a verse novel for mid-upper primary students. Written 'for those who plant trees', \u003cem\u003eBindi\u003c\/em\u003e explores climate, bush fires, and healing. It is told from the point of view of 11-year-old Bindi and her friends on Gundungurra Country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46799333654764,"sku":"9781922613448","price":22.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14545603482872.jpg?v=1757222108"},{"product_id":"beyond-the-shore-by-kirli-saunders-9781761524646","title":"Beyond the Shore","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s safer on the edge, where we can walk with our feet on the floor ... but beyond the shore is a world that inspires awe. Will you dive in?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders (OAM), with art by debut picture book illustrator Mark Chester Harding, \u003cem\u003eBeyond the Shore\u003c\/em\u003e gently encourages young ones to step beyond fear into curiosity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46800678846700,"sku":"9781761524646","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/5a267fdf4fc8808884599570c3f2a88a.jpg?v=1757299350"},{"product_id":"our-dreaming-by-kirli-saunders-9781742995113","title":"Our Dreaming","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOur Dreaming\u003c\/em\u003e, Goodjagah, little one, walk with me ... I want to tell you our Dreaming as the Elders told it to me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAward-winning storytellers, Gunai woman Kirli Saunders and Bigambul man Dub Leffler, explore a deep love and respect for Country and all her spirits ... past, present and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46801290166508,"sku":"9781742995113","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/15852813482808.jpg?v=1757323544"},{"product_id":"the-land-recalls-you-by-kirli-saunders-9781760975159","title":"The Land Recalls You","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not mourn the hands that raised you ... Do not weep for songs of land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHonouring the Stolen Generations, and all who’ve been taken, \u003cem\u003eThe Land Recalls You\u003c\/em\u003e is a powerful story of returning, written with love and reverence by award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders (OAM) and illustrated by debut Bundjalung artists David and Noni Cragg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46803282133228,"sku":"9781760975159","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/27138533482814.jpg?v=1757383288"},{"product_id":"eclipse-by-kirli-saunders-9781761471308","title":"Eclipse","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eEclipse\u003c\/i\u003e weaves reflections on Country with affirmation and cheek, fusing Beyoncé with quantum physics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough free verse, experimental and concrete poems, Kirli Saunders taps into the rhythm of Ancestral wisdom, offering connection and healing from the wounds of love, grief and our Nation's shared history. These poems celebrate the enduring strength found in kinship and Country itself, and at its heart, \u003ci\u003eEclipse\u003c\/i\u003e is a dedication to Kirli's fierce and undying love for her community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanied by Kirli's minimalist portraits and sketches drawn from the earth, \u003ci\u003eEclipse\u003c\/i\u003e dances rhythmically through time and space, reminding us that both joy and sorrow are part of the same path. Kirli's playful and intentional verse brings us back to the Old Ways, while offering a fresh blak queer lens through which to view the present and future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough this collection, Kirli invites readers to find themselves among the stars, grounded in the earth, and held in the constant embrace of Country, community and the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Everything Kirli Saunders touches, from poetry to a paintbrush, is gold - \u003ci\u003eEclipse\u003c\/i\u003e is exactly that.' Narelda Jacobs (OAM), Whadjuk Noongar journalist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'If you seek to understand love, land, community and the essence of our people, immerse yourself in Kirli's soul-stirring poetry.' Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, human rights advocate, lawyer and writer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Kirli weaves her magic, collapsing time and space with her words . . . This book is a gift.' Teela Reid, proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, activist and cofounder of Blackfulla Book Club\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A stunning work of poetry . . . a powerful call to reconnect with the healing rhythms of Country.' Nick Paton, proud Ngunnawal man, journalist with \u003ci\u003eKoori Mail\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eEclipse\u003c\/i\u003e is ceremony unfurling around us, the invitation into its sacredness a masterful and generous gift.' Nardi Simpson, award-winning Yuwaalaraay musician and writer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47076540809452,"sku":"9781761471308","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4014233482815.jpg?v=1765204059"},{"product_id":"kindred-by-kirli-saunders-9781925768893","title":"Kindred","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2021\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eShortlisted for the ABIA 2020 Small Publishers' Adult Book of the Year\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is the breaking,\u003cbr\u003e the shattering,\u003cbr\u003e the smattering\u003cbr\u003e of every limit\u003cbr\u003e ever accepted\u003cbr\u003e or imposed...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKindred\u003c\/em\u003e, Kirli Saunders' debut poetry collection, is a pleasure to lose yourself in. Kirli has a keen eye for observation, humour, and big themes that surround Love, Connection, and Loss in an engaging style, complemented by evocative and poignant imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt talks to identity, culture, community, and the role of Earth as healer. \u003cem\u003eKindred\u003c\/em\u003e has the ability to grab hold of the personal in the universal and reflect this back to the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47078918750444,"sku":"9781925768893","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/18014263482873.jpg?v=1765225149"},{"product_id":"returning-by-kirli-saunders-9781922613707","title":"Returning","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMate, you're standing on stolen land.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReturning\u003c\/em\u003e is a stunning work—a poetic and visual feast that takes you on Kirli's journey of rediscovering self, Country, and Connection. Kirli's heartfelt experiences address large contemporary themes of decolonisation, self-determination, identity, First Nations matriarchy, queerness, justice, love, liberation, and truth-telling. The backdrop to \u003cem\u003eReturning\u003c\/em\u003e is a time of huge upheaval with natural disasters, COVID, and the Black Lives Matter Movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach poem is accompanied by evocative and poignant artwork that was created in response to its poem and vitalises its meaning. The artworks, visual poems, were originally shown at SHAC Gallery, Gundungurra land, in 2021 in the exhibition named \u003cem\u003eReturning\u003c\/em\u003e. Kirli's multi-disciplinary artworks span across a range of mediums and displays, including but not limited to watercolour, ink on hand-dyed silk, synthesising digital imagery with text, and installations of hand-crafted possum skin cloaks and weavings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReturning\u003c\/em\u003e was developed with consultation and guidance from First Nations Elders, Custodians, academics, and artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47082453598444,"sku":"9781922613707","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14548193482872.jpg?v=1765274733"},{"product_id":"the-incredible-freedom-machines-by-kirli-saunders-9781760275235","title":"The Incredible Freedom Machines","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe was small when she heard about them ... the incredible freedom machines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA poetic and visual feast from multi-award-winning creators Kirli Saunders and Matt Ottley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47429615911148,"sku":"9781760275235","price":21.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781760275235.jpg?v=1774766634"},{"product_id":"incredible-freedom-machines-by-kirli-saunders-9781760275228","title":"Incredible Freedom Machines","description":"","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47486127964396,"sku":"9781760275228","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6f4637e4d2ac1920363ef352bc3eb9e5.jpg?v=1775780517"},{"product_id":"dreaming-in-the-urban-areas-by-lisa-bellear-9780702268526","title":"Dreaming in the Urban Areas","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow included in UQP's First Nations Classics series with an introduction from Kirli Saunders, \u003cem\u003eDreaming in the Urban Areas\u003c\/em\u003e is an unforgettable work of Indigenous poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLisa Bellear (1961-2006) was a Goenpul woman of the Noonuccal people of Minjerribah, Queensland. She was a respected poet, photographer, activist, spokeswoman, dramatist, comedian and broadcaster. Her work in social justice, campaigning for equality and Indigenous rights, and her contribution to Indigenous writing, academia and the arts had a huge impact on many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNotably, Lisa was a presenter on Melbourne's 3CR radio network's Not Another Koori Show, and performed her poetry in Australia, North America and across Europe. \u003cem\u003eDreaming in the Urban Areas\u003c\/em\u003e was her first, and only, published poetry collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48147258376428,"sku":"9780702268526","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780702268526-dreaming-in-the-urban-areas.jpg?v=1786447448"},{"product_id":"afloat-by-kirli-saunders-9781760505899","title":"Afloat","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRoam the water with me. We are here to learn. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eHere to spin wisdom, to grow …\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes \u003cb\u003eAfloat\u003c\/b\u003e, a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAfloat\u003c\/b\u003e is an uplifting and inspiring picture book that uses the practice of weaving as a powerful metaphor for the honouring and teaching of First Nations wisdom, and the coming together of all people to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAcclaim for Afloat:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHonour Book, 2025 Children's Book Council of Australia Awards, Picture Book\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWinner, 2025 Wilderness Society Environment Awards for Children's Literature, Picture Fiction\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShortlisted, 2025 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, Indigenous Writing Prize\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Hope is the ultimate takeaway from this moving story about community, First Nations wisdom and climate change.’ \u003ci\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘[Afloat] delves into themes of creating a future of balance and community with the natural world, while a slow, rhythmic tone and loose-lined illustrations emphasize saving what’s most important’ \u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Saunders (Gunai) uses weaving as a metaphor for community-building, demonstrating that Indigenous knowledge can be a source of connection and power as we work toward creating a better world. Blackwood’s art underscores hope and opportunities to help cultivate the land.’ \u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48240564175084,"sku":"9781760505899","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781760505899-afloat-1.jpg?v=1787919415"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/kirli-saunders.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}