On Thursday September 19, the Australian Reading Hour initiative asks Australians to spend an hour reading on their own or to children, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of reading like relaxation, identity formation and education.

For the first time ever, a Kriol book has been selected among Australian Reading Hour’s recommended books for children. The Kriol title, Moli det bigibigi (Molly The Pig), was written by Karen Manbulloo of Binjari community near Katherine and is a great read for all kids as it comes with English translations on each page. It’s a brightly illustrated story of a pig who was rescued from the bush and raised on Weetbix.

As an ambassador for Australian Reading Hour, Karen says:

“I am excited to be a part of the Australian Reading Hour and that my book Moli det bigibigi will be read by thousands more people. I’m particularly excited because people will be able to read the book in Kriol and in English. Moli det bigibigi is the first book that my grandchildren have read in their own language.”

Moli det bigibigi is being enjoyed by many Kriol speaking children as well as many others. We hope many more enjoy reading it during Australian Reading Hour!

Moli det bigibigi is published by Indigenous Literacy Foundation and available through Pan MacMillan for only $2.99 for a limited time.