Yarning Strong Tiptoeing Tracker Tod

Warning to First Nations Peoples: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that the contents in Yarning Strong may include names and images of people now deceased.

Tod has to write a journal for fifteen days for a school project. He records ‘tracking’ the neighbour’s cat, his favourite uncle’s visit, eating delicious kangaroo tail stew, what he learns about his culture, and what ‘taken away’ means to his family and culture. Unc Bullfrog teaches him how to track an emu, and about the meaning of the sign of the emu in the Milky Way constellation. When the family goes bush to track emu eggs at warlu time, Tod’s brother Ned, as well as sister Paris and her friend Robin, get lost. Tod finds that he has to use real tracking skills to find them, as his mobile phone does not work in the bush. His final presentation about his fifteen days keeps everyone in the class interested.

Tiptoeing Tracker Tod is part of the Yarning Strong series, a vibrant and purposeful series of novels and anthologies by First Nations authors, created to inspire Years 3–6 students while supporting meaningful classroom learning. Rich in story, voice and perspective, each text offers teachers and students authentic opportunities to explore First Nations cultures and experiences through high‑quality literature.

Themes: Cultural knowledge is significant and needs to be passed on • The history of the Stolen Generations impacts children today • Word play creates lively texts