Come Home, Bigibila: A story of an echidna finding its way back to Country by Corey Tutt and Irma Gold, illustrated by Jessica Tedim

Title: Come Home, Bigibila: A story of an echidna finding its way back to Country

A story of an echidna finding its way back to Country

Author: Corey Tutt and Irma Gold, illustrated by Jessica Tedim

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Published: 31^st March 2026

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 32

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: From bestselling children’s authors Corey Tutt and Irma Gold comes a heartwarming story about an echidna, Corey’s totem animal, and the importance of home.

Bigibila was born on a night when Gawarrgay, the dark emu, was high in the sky.
The air tasted of native lime and was full of the sound of animal songs.
This is my Country, Bigibila thought. My place.

But when Bigibila finds herself far from her Country – how will she ever find her way back?

With Gamilaraay words seamlessly woven into the text, Australian parents will love reading Bigibila’s story to their children, which explores our connection to family and place.

Corey Tutt is the founder of DeadlyScience and bestselling author of The First Scientists. Irma Gold is an award-winning author of books for children and adults. Together, they’ve created this gorgeous story with a facts section at the back that’s all about Bigibila (echidnas).

This book is perfect for:
– Reading as a gentle bedtime story with comforting word repetition.
– Learning more about a favourite Australian animal, the echidna.
– Engaging with First Nations culture in way that’s suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and primary school students.
– A lovely gift for a baby shower or birthday.

~*~

Bigibila is new to the world, and living on her Country with her mum.  But when she decides to go exploring she gets lost and can’t find her way home. There are dangers around and she’s scared – can anyone help her?

Corey Tutt and Irma Gold’s new picture book explores the relationship Indigenous people have to Country and culture using Gamilaraay words for readers of all ages. Using the echidna, readers can see what it is like to want to explore and get home safely, and get back to the right home. It’s a story about finding family, and exploring the connections we all have to our family and where we live.

These connections are different for everyone, and everyone sees where they live and who they live with differently. Culture plays a role in this and the way Corey expresses his culture, connection to Country and the Gamilaraay language in this book is beautiful and accessible. It allows non-Indigenous readers to learn about First Nations culture, and allows First Nations kids to see their words, their culture and their understanding of Country on the page.

Because of this balance and ensuring that a wide audience can engage with on a range of levels. Everyone who reads this book will find something they will connect to it in their own way. It means that this is a book for everyone, a book that everyone can engage with and one that I think a lot of people will adore.

Perfect for bedtime, birthdays, new babies, or starting something new, this is great for toddlers, preschoolers and all ages. A book to be treasured and loved for years to come.