Come Together Again: A Celebration of First Nations Music, Song and Dance

(Hardback)

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Description

Come Together Again is the second delightful picture book from Isaiah Firebrace for children aged 5 and up. It explores First Nations culture through a celebration of music, song and dance.

Music, song and dance brings people together, creating connections. For First Nations People, it is the heart of culture and community, holding knowledge, stories and tradition. For Isaiah, music is a huge part of who he is and in this book he shares his passion.

Come Together Again teaches young readers about the integral role music and performance have played in 60,000 years of First Nations history and culture. Learn about the yidaki (didgeridoo) and how it makes its sounds or how leaves can whistle. Be introduced to First Nations singers in pop, country and opera music. Discover dancers in the styles of contemporary, ballet and hip-hop.

Collaborating once again with Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Isaiah takes us on a musical learning journey through ceremonial history, instrument creation, and cultural beliefs and practices.

Author Bio

Australian pop artist Isaiah Firebrace is a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man who grew up on the banks of the Murray River. After a childhood of hardship faced by so many in the Aboriginal community, Isaiah's life changed completely after winning The X Factor in 2016 on his 17th birthday. With a multi-platinum single under his belt, Isaiah has represented Australia at Eurovision and is a regular across Australian television. His commitment to mentoring and changing the lives of Indigenous youth has seen him tour all corners of the country speaking to young people and offering his personal story of hope and inspiration. His new children's book represents the next chapter in his already remarkable story.

Jaelyn Biumaiwai is a self-taught illustrator. She is of Mununjali and Fijian ancestry and creates on Kombumerri Country, Gold Coast (the lands of the Yugambeh speaking people). She has a passion for First Nations and Pasifika culture and communities, and this is reflected in the work she does. Her first book as a published illustrator, Heroes, Rebels and Innovators by Karen Wyld, was the 2022 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Eve Pownall Award Honour book. Come Together by Isaiah Firebrace, was shortlisted for Social Impact Book of the Year in the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) and was also the 2023 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Eve Pownall Award Honour book.