Warna-Manda Baby
Written by Susan Betts and illustrated by Mandy Foot
Warna-Manda Baby, the earth is part of you. Follow Allurru as she is guided across the land on a journey
to discover her connection to Mother Earth and find her way home. An ode to earth, sea and sky,
Warna-Manda Baby Earth Walk is a gift to future generations to help them connect, care and understand
the world around them.
Raising Literacy Australia began working with Indigenous artist Susan Betts in 2009 with Susan’s lullaby,
Warna-Manda Baby, featuring in It’s Bedtime and Lullabies for Bedtime. Together they have developed Susan’s
first stand-alone picture book, Warna-Manda Baby Earth Walk. To create the picture book, a collaboration was
formed with renowned South Australian creatives, author Katrina Germein and illustrator Mandy Foot. Katrina
worked closely with Susan to fine-tune the story while Mandy and Susan took part in an intensive week-long
illustrating workshop. The process allowed all artists involved to learn, grow and develop together.
Warna-Manda Baby Earth Walk was written and illustrated by Wirangu woman, Susan Betts. The story
has special meaning for Susan, a renowned Indigenous artist from Streaky Bay in South Australia.
Sharing connection to country, Susan’s story looks to inspire future generations. “It is about that connection
to the earth and being able to share that connection,” Susan said. “I hope that it inspires everyone, especially
children, because that’s who I wrote it for, to feel and awaken that sense of connection to Mother Earth.”
Through the pages, Susan painted an eagle and seven sisters star, which follows Allurru on her journey.
The Waldya and Galga represent our ancestors above and below who always watch over us.
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