AustLit

'These four beautiful books, in the veritable tradition of well-loved stories, surely will continue to be retold. The stories themselves stem from a range of sources. Bangu the Flying Fox, as Jillian Taylor and the book's colophon inform us, is a Dreamtime story courtesy of the Umbarra Cultural Tour Group and Mervyn Penrith who '...told his grandfather's story and gave permission for us to share it with you'. It tells the story of Bangu, who cannot decide whether she is an animal or a bird, and who 'changes sides' depending on which group is 'winning in the fight'. Bangu's appearance, exclusively at night, is thus explained, and a suitably moral ending ensues. Without the use of metaphor, or allowing this message by association, young readers/listeners are directed: 'If you find friends, stick with them. Help them when things are good and when things are bad'. Bangu the Flying Fox is apparently aimed at both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences; the book will be useful in primary schools, incorporating a Koori narrative into learning. A teacher living near Wallaga Lake, Jillian Taylor will have noted the benefits of inclusion and this, presumably, was an aim of the retelling.'  (Introduction)