Brave like Bunji by Jake Gablonski, illustrated by Samantha Campbell

Title:  Brave like Bunji

Author: Jake Gablonski, illustrated by Samantha Campbell

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Published: 2^nd June 2026

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 24

Price: $24.99

Synopsis:  A big-hearted story about identity, belonging and wearing your true colours with pride from debut author Jake Gablonski and acclaimed illustrator Samantha Campbell.

‘Hello, Bunji,’ said the bird. ‘My name is Wylla. I know you’re feeling upset and a little lost. Come with me, I have something to show you.’

When Bunji runs away from school, he doesn’t realise that a rainbow lorikeet is about to take him on an incredible adventure. As he soars over Nitmiluk Gorge and feels the rhythms of the environment supporting him, Bunji discovers that he can be brave if he shows his true colours with pride.

Brave Like Bunji is a story written from the heart by Wiradjuri man Jake Gablonski, beautifully illustrated by acclaimed Dagoman artist Samantha Campbell and set on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman people of the Katherine region of northern Australia.

Perfect for:
– Reading aloud at home or in the classroom
– Introducing concepts of self-esteem, identity and belonging
– Readers who enjoy tales of adventure
– Families who visit the Northern Territory, especially the Katherine region

~*~

Bunji has run away from school, because he’s scared about what the boys will say if he tells them he wants to play skipping rope instead of football. Bunji is scared to tell people what is in his heart, so it’s better to avoid it, right? But Bunji falls into adventure with a rainbow lorikeet called Wylla.

Wylla is a special guide who takes Bunji through the Dreaming and over Nitmiluk Gorge, where he feels the rhythms of the environment, and what it means to show his true colours. To be proud of who he is and not compromise this for anyone. It’s a message that we all need to hear, and linking it into the Dreaming and First Nations culture makes this truly special, because it breaks down stereotypes, embraces diversity and shows that what we fear is not always going to come true.

In a world when uncertainty, feeling like we need to fit in and shrink ourselves, and where everyone is dealing with various kinds of stereotypes, whoever we are, this book celebrates being yourself. It celebrates Indigenous culture and the majestic Northern Territory, and the beauty of nature and the landscape.

We all have our own identities too, but sometimes, perhaps more often than not, we shrink who we really are to fit in, so people don’t think we’re too weird. Or so we can make sure people like us. Fear and anxiety drive these feelings, because nobody wants to be left out, cast aside or be alone. Yet we all want to be ourselves. Books like this are a good reminder that we can embrace who we are. And that the confidence to do so can be buried deep within. Finding our voice is powerful.

And seeing this through the eyes of a young First Nations boy is powerful, because he doesn’t want to fit into the stereotypes of being male or Indigenous. He wants to be who he wants to be, he just doesn’t know how to go about it at times. I think that’s what makes this book special, because it reminds us that whatever our background is, whatever the assumptions that come with these characteristics are, we have the power and ability to be exactly who we want to be.

It’s perfect for all ages, and perfect for anyone who needs to see something of themselves in fiction and literature.