BOORI MONTY PRYOR was born in Townsville, North Queensland. His
father is from the Juru people of Cape Upstart from the Bowen
region. His mother is a descendant of the Gurubana Moiety group
from the Kunggandji Nation near Cairns. Boori is a multi-talented
performer who has worked in film and television (as an actor and
writer), modelling, sport, music and theatre-in-education. Boori
has written several award-winning children's books, including Prime
Minister's Literary Award winner Shake a Leg, and was Australia's
inaugural Children's Laureate (with Alison Lester) in 2012 and
2013. He co-wrote and is the subject of Wrong Kind of Black
(International Emmy Award nominee, screening on Netflix) and Brown
Paper Bag (in which he also stars), and during his career as a
storyteller he has worked with over one million children.
RITA SINCLAIR was born in Mareeba, North Queensland, and grew up a
bit further south, in Townsville. As a child, she spent a lot of
time daydreaming, drawing and reading, often in a tree or under its
branches. Rita blames her mum for her love of all books (especially
picture books), because books were a part of every birthday or
Christmas. When her son, Cody, was born, Rita was excited to have a
reason to buy more books. Now that he is grown up and married, she
buys picture books for herself, just because. Rita has worked as an
ice-cream and snack bar attendant, greyhound race photographer,
wedding videographer, stained-glass overlay operator, teacher,
librarian, wedding celebrant and now illustrator. She believes in
lifelong learning and is always ready to learn something new - she
often has several random courses lined up, and there is always a
stack or two of books waiting for the holidays to be read.
'[Boori] shed light on how we need to focus on how Australia's
biggest issues began; at the roots of the tree, as opposed to just
skimming our eyes across the little leaves produced at the tip of
the tree's branches.' Year 8 student
'In 2018, performer Boori Monty Pryor foretold that Australia would
soon suffer a great sickness. In this book, his beautiful poem and
the colourful illustrations of Rita Sinclair combine to connect
readers to Earth's oldest healer: nature. Get transported to the
heart of Australia's ancient culture in this comforting book which
is perfect for younger readers who love wildlife!' National
Geographic Kids
'Boori has a way of getting everybody involved...[His story] made
everybody stop, connect and think. [It] made us feel connected to
the land on which we stand, and he expressed hope for the future
through the voice of his stories.' Year 8 student
'An evocative poem about healing humanity through restoring our
relationship with the earth...Rita Sinclair uses a contemporary
style that represents humans as spirals of energy, displaying both
ancient and modern life in her pictures...This is an important work
by an Australian legend that celebrates storytelling and bringing
people together. Repeated readings will reveal greater depths, and
it is recommended as a read-aloud for ages 5+.' Angela Crocombe,
Manager, Readings Kids
'Boori Monty Pryor came to our school, it was an unforgettable
experience. The Story Doctors illustrations were magical and each
illustration had an unbelievable message behind it. He also played
the didgeridoo, which was phenomenal but it was very, very loud.'
Year 7 student
'While the story is suitable for ages 7 to 12, the large, colourful
illustrations of Australia's beautiful landscape and animals make
it accessible to most.' The Sunday Mail
'I think the story was extremely inspiring and made me look at the
world differently.' Year 7 student
'Story Doctors is a poem, a prescription for healing. The
illustrations provide another pathway for storytelling with images
and colours that are soulful and meditative. A book perfect for
reading aloud or as a prayer. Dive in and explore.' The West
Australian
'Boori, thank you again for your inspiring visit [to our
school]...I have had lots of very positive feedback from teachers
and students...all testimony to all the myriad personal meanings
each reader will gain from reading this book...Story Doctors is a
truly inspiring work of art.' Teacher, Head of Library
'Story Doctors is beautifully illustrated...[and] inspiring and
encourages "Healing Country" through "Eco Echoes".' Australian
Wildlife Magazine
'I liked how the pictures weren't just there for the sake of the
words, but had a deeper meaning that explained the story more.'
Year 7 student
'A richly empowering epic poem which resonates with such heartfelt
emotion that it cannot fail to move the reader with its carefully
chosen words and imagery. The superb illustrations...lend both
vibrancy and animation to the text and there are many pages at
which the reader will gasp at the beauty of them. Boori has given
us all a true treasure with this remarkable and deeply personal
offering to the nation and it is one which very rightly deserves to
be shared with readers over and over again. What greater gift can
we give our children...Highly recommended for all readers - young
and old.' Just So Stories
'The idea of the book having a "heartbeat" - as described in the
blurb - is undeniable...A stunning book for children and adults
alike.' Underground Writers
'The beautiful, lyrical storytelling style is supported by stunning
illustrations. This is a text for all ages...It's not a text you
read once, and then forget about. I came back to it multiple times
after my first read...It's the perfect discussion starter.' FIVE
STARS, Noveltea Corner
'A gentle but real view of Australian history, and, above all, its
intent is toward healing.' Queensland Reviewers Collective
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