In the Kelp Forest – written by Aunty Patsy Cameron and Reena Balding, illustrated by Belinda Casey
In the Kelp Forest is a beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates the giant kelp forests of Tasmania and the deep cultural connections Tasmanian Aboriginal people have with these marine environments.
Through the story of Myerlee, the giant kelp, young readers are immersed in an underwater world teeming with life, learning about the vital role kelp forests play in sustaining ocean ecosystems and cultural traditions.
The book blends storytelling, environmental awareness, and Indigenous knowledge to reveal the ancient connections that sustain all life.
The book can be purchased from the following website:
About the authors and illustrator
Co-written by Aunty Patsy Cameron
Aunty Patsy Cameron AO is a highly respected Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder, author, historian, cultural practitioner and educator from the Pairrebeenne/Trawlwoolway people.
Growing up on Flinders Island, she has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing Tasmanian Aboriginal history, culture and knowledge, drawing on the stories and traditions of her ancestors, including the renowned Aboriginal leader Mannalargenna.
Aunty Patsy holds a Master of Arts in Tasmanian Aboriginal History, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Tasmania, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in recognition of her distinguished service to Indigenous communities.
Through books such as Sea Country, Sky Country and In the Kelp Forest, she shares cultural knowledge and deep connections to Country with new generations of readers.
Co-written by Reena Balding
Reena Balding is a Hobart-based writer, editor and publisher who grew up in Tasmania before travelling and working overseas, including as a newspaper journalist in Turkey and a yoga instructor in Bali.
Now living in Hobart with her family, she writes for both children and adults while working in publishing and communications.
Her debut picture book, In the Kelp Forest, reflects her passion for storytelling, Tasmania's natural environment, and sharing meaningful connections between people, place and culture.
Illustrated by Belinda Casey
Belinda Casey is a proud Tasmanian Aboriginal (Palawa) artist and illustrator, and the great-granddaughter of the renowned Tasmanian Aboriginal woman Fanny Smith.
Based in Hobart, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the University of Tasmania and has been recognised as a finalist in both the Hadley's Art Prize and the John Glover Art Prize.
Her artistic practice celebrates the strength, resilience and enduring culture of Tasmanian Aboriginal people, drawing deeply on connections to Country, family and cultural heritage.
Through her illustrations for In the Kelp Forest, Casey brings the underwater world of Tasmania's giant kelp forests to life with warmth, detail and cultural insight.
Nipaluna (Hobart) – Lutruwita / Tasmania – Australia
Designated: 2023
Population: 255 250
Languages: English, palawa kani
Tasmania's Aboriginal community are the island's first storytellers with a cultural tradition grounded in orality: stories spoken, sung, danced and shared across generations. These narratives are inseparable from Country, held in the land, shaped by the sea, carried in the winds and written in the sky.
Being a City of Literature strengthens Hobart's identity as a place where stories are made, shared and celebrated. A city of storytellers on an island of stories. It connects our writers and readers with a global creative network.
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