Vullah Vunnah Nah

Vullah Vunnah Nah by Patricia Clarke (One Day Hill)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-0-9873139– 0-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Vullah Vunnah Nah is an ancient Gunditjmara lullaby, passed down through generations.

In the forward, musician Marcia Howard writes that author Patricia Clarke’s father sang this special lullaby to her as a child. Clarke’s family was affected by the Stolen Generation and most children placed in missions were not permitted to speak their own language. This song survived and Patricia Clarke sang it with Marcia Howard at Sorry Days (a commemoration for the stolen generation).

The lullaby in this book is written in two languages, Clarke’s native language, and an English translation. It is boldly illustrated with her vividly coloured rainbows dominating the pages.
Patricia Clarke sings beautifully on the accompanying CD, with Archie Roach, Stephanie Young, Shane Howard, Lee Morgan and Marcia Howard.

Both the CD and picture book are a beautiful addition to any book or music collection. It is fantastic to have the cultural background of indigenous Australia becoming more accessible and available to all.