First Nations Childrens Books
Across our collection, these First Nations children’s books are created to support young people, families and communities through life’s big feelings and experiences with warmth, honesty and cultural safety. Led by Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, each story centres connection to Country, family, community and culture as sources of strength, identity and healing.
Healing through Storytelling
STORYTELLING•HEALING • WELLBEING •SUPPORT
Through gentle storytelling and engaging illustrations, young people are supported to feel seen, understood and connected.
Our books are developed to help young people navigate experiences such as grief, loss, emotions, wellbeing and resilience in ways that are developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed. Each story is shaped by lived experience, cultural knowledge and professional expertise, drawing on consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, psychologists, educators, young people and communities. This collaborative approach helps ensure the stories are culturally and emotionally safe and meaningful for young people and the adults who care for them.
Designed for families, carers, schools, health services and community organisations, these books create opportunities for conversation, reflection and connection. Whether shared at home, in classrooms or within therapeutic and wellbeing settings, the collection aims to support young people to build emotional understanding, strengthen cultural connection and feel supported through the relationships and communities around them.
Explore Our First Nations Books
Supporting the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of First Nation young people.
Where Will You Go To Remember?
When someone you love dies (Male loved one)
Where Will You Go to Remember? is a gentle, culturally safe First Nations young people's book designed to support children navigating grief after the passing of a male parent/ caregiver, including suicide bereavement. The book offers a compassionate space to honour memories, explore feelings of loss, and find comfort through culture, connection, and remembrance.
Written by Tanja and Tiarnee and illistrated by Samantha Campbell
Where Will You Go To Remember?
(When someone you love dies (Female loved one)
Where Will You Go to Remember? is a gentle, culturally safe First Nations young people's book designed to support children navigating grief after the passing of a female parent/ caregiver, including suicide bereavement. The book offers a compassionate space to honour memories, explore feelings of loss, and find comfort through culture, connection, and remembrance.
Written by Tanja and Tiarnee and illistrated by Samantha Campbell
COMPANION GUIDE COMING SOON
This companion guide offers practical help and resources for health professionals to use alongside the book ‘Where will you go to remember?’.
Supporting families and the workforce
We provide gentle, evidenced base, culturally appropriate guidance for parents and carers and health professionals to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations young people.
Professional Development Training
Our evidence-based workshops support professionals working within First Nations young people, families and communities.
Get in Touch
Connecting Through Storytelling
We’re here to support you in building capability to support social and emotional wellbeing of the next generation. Whether you have a question about our books or are interested in booking a professional training session, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore Our Stories – Discover our book series
Discover Our Training – For schools, educators, health professionals and community services
Email: tntstorylines@gmail.com
Location: Clontarf QLD, Australia
Stories that guide and support First Nations young people
Our Founders & Vision
Tanja Hirvonen
Tiarnee Schafer
Tanja Hirvonen is a proud Jaru and Bunuba woman and Registered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health. Her work focuses on cultural safety, trauma-informed care, and enhancing social and emotional wellbeing through community-led solutions and storytelling.
Tiarnee Schafer is a proud Kalkadoon psychologist committed to supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Tiarnee integrates clinical expertise with Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing to promote healing in young people and families.
Together, Tanja and Tiarnee created T & T Storylines to bridge the gap in culturally safe mental health resources. Their mission is to empower First Nations young people through stories that celebrate identity, connection to Country, and the strength of community, providing a pathway to healing and emotional endurance.