Little Yarns
Little Yarns is an ABC Kids podcast that introduces preschool children and their families to Indigenous Australian languages and cultures. Each episode shares stories, songs and language words from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. The show is designed to be warm, gentle and accessible for young listeners and their grown-ups. It is produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and available through ABC Listen.
Episodes
A Littler Yarn with Jazz Money
This NAIDOC Week we're celebrating 50 Years of Deadly by having yarns with three deadly artists. Today let's meet our maliyaa, our friend, Jazz Money. She's a Wiradjuri poet and has written a children's book all about friendship... and frogs! This Littler Yarn was recorded on Gadigal land, featuring the real sounds of Gundungurra and Wiradjuri Countries.For more great kids podcas
A Littler Yarn with Blak Douglas
This NAIDOC Week we're celebrating 50 Years of Deadly by having yarns with three deadly artists. Today let's meet our maliyaa, our friend, Blak Douglas. He's a Dhungatti man and a painter. He's gonna yarn with us about his beautiful painting about a whale in Sydney Harbour - Guruwa Dreaming.This Littler Yarn was recorded on Gadigal lands, featuring the real sounds of Dhungatti an
A Littler Yarn with Molly Hunt
This NAIDOC Week we're celebrating 50 Years of Deadly by having yarns with three deadly artists. Today let's meet our maliyaa, our friend, Molly Hunt. She's a Balanggarra and Yolngu woman who loves telling stories. Molly is a writer and illustrator and has even made her own Blak superhero! This Littler Yarn was recorded on Gadigal and Miriwoong Countries, featuring the sounds of
Fire in Walmajarri
On our last trip to Bunuba Country, our friend Natalie is going to show us how fire helps us cook damper, make tea and stay warm in the cold wind.Nature soundscapes for this episode courtesy of Listening EarthFor more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts, educational children’s stories and storytelling, podca
Eggs in Walmajarri
We’re back on Bunuba Country and following animal tracks along the sandy banks of the Martuwarra River. We're looking for hidden crocodile eggs with the help of our ranger friend, Natalie Davey.Nature soundscapes for this episode courtesy of Listening EarthFor more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts, educat
Frilled-neck lizard in Walmajarri
We visit our friend Natalie Davey at her home in Fitzroy Crossing on Bunuba Country in Western Australia. On a walk to the Martuwarra river we’ll meet grasshoppers, frogs and the frilled neck lizard, and learn about the importance of respecting each others' space.
Echidna in Wayilwan
It's our last visit to Wayilwan Country with Aunty Beth. We'll follow some mysterious animal tracks and see if we can spot a very clever animal with more than a few tricks up his sleeve to avoid being seen...
Respect in Wayilwan
We're back on Wayilwan Country and heading to school. Aunty Beth shares stories under the gumtrees about showing respect for friends, teachers, Elders and Country.
Kookaburra in Wayilwan
We're going to meet Aunty Beth Wright on Wayilwan Country in western NSW. Let's go fishing on the Wambuul River with a little help from the gugugarra - the kookaburra!
Birds in Arrernte
We're going on a bushwalk with Joel Liddle on Arrernte Country. We'll meet some special feathered friends, listen to their calls and learn how to help look after Country.
House in Arrernte
We're back on Arrernte Country to have a cuppa with Joel Liddle at his house. We'll learn how language is like a home and how culture can fill you up and keep you warm, just like a cup of tea.
Stars in Arrernte
Let's go camping in the desert on Arrernte Country in Central Australia. Our friend Joel Liddle's going to show us his favourite spot to sit by the fire and look up at the twinkling kwerralye in the night sky.
Antlion in Ngalia
It's our last visit to Ngalia Country to see Kado on his beautiful ngurrara. He's going to share the Creation story for a very small creature that calls the desert home... the antlion!Content warning: This episode features a Creation story where children are taken by monsters. Co-listening is encouraged.
Great desert skink in Ngalia
We're back in the desert with Kado today but watch where you step! The spinifex grass is sharp and spiky. It's also home to important creatures like nampu - the great desert skink!
Homeland in Ngalia
We're off to red desert Country in Western Australia to meet up with our friend Kado Muir. We'll hear from some noisy locals, discover water in surprising places and listen to the sounds of Kado's Ngalia homeland.
Land in Ngarrindjeri
We're back on Ngarrindjeri Country with Katie! Let's listen to the sounds of the Coorong, yarn about Country and get your plombi ready - she's going to teach us another song!
Black swan in Ngarrindjeri
We're heading to the coast of South Australia to Ngarrindjeri Country to meet our friend Katie! She's going to introduce us to the wonderful waters of her lands and to a very special bird that calls them home...
River of mist in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
There's a famous river that runs right through Naarm. You might know it as the Yarra but its First name is Birrarung. Let's find a comfy spot by the water and listen to Mandy share the Creation story of the river of mist...
The seasons in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
You might know spring, summer, autumn and winter... but what about all the other seasons? We're back on Wurundjeri Country to visit Mandy to hear all about the many seasons in Woi Wurrrung language.
Welcome to Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
We're always on Country but what about the ground beneath our feet or the skies above us? Let's visit Mandy in Naarm to hear about the many layers of Wurundjeri Country.
NAIDOC Week: Keep the fire burning!
This year's NAIDOC theme is 'Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud' so we're revisiting Dreaming stories shared with us by Clayton on Adnyamathanha Country and Brittanie on Gumbaynggirr Country.
A Littler Yarn with Troy Cassar-Daley
The sun's going down and the sky is getting dark... It's time for a lullaby to drift off to sleep. Let's head to Gumbaynggirr Country for a littler yarn with Troy Cassar-Daley about his new lullaby 'Ninganah'...
A Littler Yarn with Nyangulya Katie Nalgood
Let's have a yarn with Walmajarri artist Nyangulya Katie Nalgood. It gets pretty hot on her Country but you can still find bright, beautiful birds down by the waterhole. They're Katie's favourite things to paint ever since she was little...This Littler Yarn was a collaboration with the Tarnanthi Art Festival and the Art Gallery of South Australia, with special thanks to Sally Law
A Littler Yarn with Wimiya Woodley
We're meeting Yindjibarndi man Wimiya Woodley to yarn about Country, lore and Rudi's favourite thing to do... dancing!This Littler Yarn was a collaboration with the Tarnanthi Art Festival and the Art Gallery of South Australia, with special thanks to Sally Lawrey and Juluwarlu Art Group.
A Littler Yarn with Djakangu Yunupingu
We're in the Top End to visit Yolngu Elder and artist Djakangu Yunupingu at her studio. Djakangu has painted a very special story that was passed down to her from her father. It's the story of the Djulpan and the seven sisters...This Littler Yarn was a collaboration with the Tarnanthi Art Festival and the Art Gallery of South Australia, with special thanks to Sally Lawrey, Buku-L
Friend in Wiradjuri
It's our last visit to see our mudyi Nathan - let's join him for a walk in the hills around Mudgee and yarn about how we can be a friend to people and Country.
Brushtail possum in Wiradjuri
The sun is setting over Wiradjuri Country and things are getting quiet, but there's a friend in the trees that's just starting to wake up... Nathan shares all kinds of Wiradjuri words that come from wilay - the brushtail possum!
Crow in Wiradjuri
We're meeting our friend Nathan by the river. He's going to introduce us to his Country and a special piece of it that always makes him feel at home - the crow!
Goodbye in Wambaya
It can be hard to say goodbye, it can bring on a lot of big feelings. But it can also mean returning to a place or person you've been missing. Let's head back to Wambaya Country one last time to say alima to Lynette.
Little brother in Wambaya
Lynette's favourite person is her little brother. He's always making her laugh! Let's head back to Wambaya Country to meet him and tell a few jokes...
Water in Wambaya
When you step outside Lynette's backyard, all you can see is endless sky. That's why she gets so excited when she sees the clouds gathering – that could mean galyurringi!
Mangroves in Ndjébbana
It's our last visit to Ndjébbana Country with Noni. Let's go for a walk together through the mangroves. Keep your eyes open for crocs!
Rain in Ndjébbana
We're back on Ndjébbana Country with Noni. Clouds are gathering overhead and the rain is coming. What will the new season bring? Let's take some time to sit and listen to the sound of maloya....
Sun in Ndjébbana
Noni takes us for a ride in her canoe to her mother's Country to yarn about her favourite things... the rain, mangroves and the sun!
Rainbow in Dharumbal
Neenah loves when the wet season starts on Dharumbal Country, because it brings the rain and one of her favourite things to see in the sky...
Wise in Dharumbal
Let's head back to Dharumbal Country, and have a yarn with Neenah about her wise, old man.
Dreamtime in Dharumbal
We're going to meet Neenah on Dharumbal Country in central Queensland, who's going to tell us about her family and connection to bidi moringa.
A Littler Yarn!
We're having a Littler Yarn with singer and fellow Gamilaroi girl Loren Ryan! She's going to share some language with us and her Gamilaraay version of 'I Can Sing a Rainbow'.
Mother and children in Kullilli
Toby loves to yarn stories with his children, walking in his favourite place… among the scar trees. Let’s join him and learn about his mother country.
River in Kullilli
Let's head back to Kullilli Country to meet Toby in one of his favourite spots - catching yabbies by the river!
Strong in Kullilli
We're going to meet Toby on Kullilli Country in south-west Queensland for a smoking ceremony and to yarn about what makes us strong.
Father of the Waters in Yorta Yorta
Listen to the river as Ebony shares the hidden meanings of her favourite Yorta Yorta placenames.
Sun in Yorta Yorta
Today, we're back on Yorta Yorta Country with Ebony to sit in the sunshine and spot our favourite colours.
Water in Yorta Yorta
Today, we're sitting by the river on Yorta Yorta Country. Listen out for frogs, water birds and the Yorta Yorta word for water.
Story in Adnyamathanha
We're back on Adnyamathanha Country with Clayton where he shares a word with a few meanings in English. It's the word for story, history, songlines and legend.
Kid in Adnyamathanha
We're back on Adnyamathanha Country and heading to school. Clayton shares the word for kid and how the best way to learn is to play!
Family in Adnyamathanha
We're heading to the red, rocky lands of the Adnyamathanha Nation, to meet Clayton and talk about our families.
Clever in Gumbaynggirr
Today on Gumbaynggirr Country, we're at the beach! We'll learn about totems, looking after the environment and listening to Country.
Knee in Gumbaynggirr
We're back on saltwater Country with Brittanie to hear a story and even learn a song in Gumbaynggirr!
Hello in Gumbaynggirr
Little Yarns is back and we're headed to Gumbaynggirr Country to meet Brittanie and learn the word you start all your yarns with...
Noisy Yarns
Rudi is meeting up with Ann Jones from Noisy By Nature for a bushwalk on Dharawal Country. Together they’re listening to Country and trying their best to copy the sounds of the loud locals – a whipbird, clicking froglets, a plover and something green that makes a surprising sound. Join in for a Noisy Yarn!
Kids in Yugambeh
Let's lay by the river on Yugambeh Country and gaze at the green mountains, as Hunter talks about keeping your connection to Country close, even if you live away from your mob.
Beach in Tiwi
We join Malcolm at his favourite tingata (beach) and learn about taking care of each other on Tiwi Country.
Crocodile and Cassowary in Kalaw Kawaw Ya
We're going back to Saibai in the Torres Strait to learn about Aaron's clans, the Koedal and the Samu.
Shore in Noongar
We're going back to the Noongar Nation to visit our Wirlomin Noongar friend, Cassie. She's going to show us the hidden meanings of some of her favourite Noongar words.
Rainbow and Rainbow Serpent in Tiwi
We're heading back to the Top End to visit the Tiwi Islands, where Malcolm talks about his connection to Country and teaches us about his family totem ampiji (the Rainbow Serpent).
Heart in Kalaw Kawaw Ya
We return to the island of Sabai, in the Torres Strait, where Aaron shares the Kalaw Kawaw Ya word for heart.
Mother in Yugambeh
Wadjung (mothers) take care of us. Not just our own wadjung but all types of mothers. Even mother nature! If we listen, we can take care of her too.
Honey possum in Noongar
We’re back in the Noongar Nation to learn about a very small but important animal. Keep your eyes peeled for ngoolboongoor (honey possum) in the banksia!
Rain in Tiwi
It’s wet season on the Tiwi Islands. Listen to the frogs sing! Malcolm teaches us about Tiwi weather knowledge and pakitiringa (rain).
Strength in Kalaw Kawaw Ya
We visit the mangrove swamps of Saibai in the Torres Strait, where Aaron shows us there are many ways to be strong in Kalaw Kawaw Ya.
Moon in Yugambeh
The gibam (moon) is very important. She controls the tides and lights up the night sky. Grab your torch and let’s visit Yugambeh Country at night.
Whale in Noongar
We’re whale watching on Wirlomin Noongar Country, on the south coast of Western Australia. Cassie shares the Noongar word for these gentle giants.
Stars in Arabana
Grab your torch because its night time in the Arabana desert. Lakota tells us all about the stars and the stories of the night sky.
Shoes in Gamilaraay
We’re back on Gamilaroi Country to visit Rudi's mum, Kerry. Get your mundhuis (shoes) on, we're going on a bushwalk!
Saltwater in Yawuru
Let's have a little yarn by the beach, on Yawuru Country. Listen to the waves with Dalisa as she shares the word for ‘saltwater’ in Yawuru.
Box Jellyfish in Batjamalh
There are more than four seasons in Wadjigany Country, let’s look for changes in nature with our friend Maree. Watch out for meme (box jellyfish) in the wet season!
Play in palawa kani
What’s your favourite game? Tessa shows us how ‘to play’ in palawa kani.
Paint Up in Arabana
It's a very special time when Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) fills with water and all the animals return to Arabana Country! Let's celebrate and learn to paint up with Lakota.
Storm cloud in Gamilaraay
Look up in the sky, what can you see? Big, fluffy clouds! Today on Gamilaroi Country, Kerry shares the Gamilaraay word for ‘storm cloud’.
Children in Yawuru
Today we’re listening to songs by the sea! Dalisa tell us why babagarra (children) are the future of Yawuru language.
Mud Crab in Batjamalh
Today we travel to Wadjigany Country in the Top End to meet Maree and go looking for marrutj (mud crap). Snap, snap!
Family in palawa kani
Today in lutruwita (Tasmania) we learn all about palawa takariliya (family) with our friend Tessa.
Individuality in Arabana
Today we journey to Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) on Arabana Country, where Lakota shares the Arabana word for something that makes us all unique - our mungara!
Emu in Gamilaraay
Let’s travel to Gamilaroi Country to meet Rudi’s mum, Kerry! Keep your eyes peeled for dhinawan (emu) tracks.
Spiderweb in Yawuru
Wanggarranggarra (spiderwebs) make great traps - let’s learn the word in Yawuru from Dalisa and see what else we can catch.
Crocodile in Batjamalh
Stay back from the water’s edge on Wadjigany Country, Maree is sharing the Batjamalh word for a big reptile with pointy teeth - a wilerr (saltwater crocodile).
Mum in palawa kani
Let’s head to lutruwita (Tasmania) where Tessa is going to share with us the palawa word for a special person in our lives, our ningi (mum).
Welcome to Little Yarns
Australia is full of diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations. From Gamilaroi to Yawuru, palawa to Wadjigany, each mob has its own language, stories and culture. Journey with us each week to listen to the sounds of Country and have a little yarn.
