A NEW book for children launches on Friday at the National Museum of Australia, taking its place in a distinguished group line-up of bunyip books emanating from the national capital.

“The Bunyip and the Stars” explores themes such as the importance of family bonds and connection to country.

The debut book for author and Biripi man, Adam Duncan, who works as a visual artist, cultural education consultant and teacher at Wiradjuri Preschool at the University of Canberra.

It is the first in a planned series of five picture books inspired by the National Museum’s new immersive kids’ play space, the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, and has been published by National Museum of Australia Press.

Author Duncan said he had developed the book using First Nations oral storytelling traditions and the help of the children from Wiradjuri Preschool and Child Care Centre..

It’s an adventure tale that follows Ngariin (Big Sister) as she searches for Wumbirr (Little Brother), who has been captured by the fearsome bunyip.

The book is illuminated through 3D collage-style images by French-born illustrator Paul Lalo, co-founder of Melbourne animation boutique, Soymilk Studio, which developed the illustrations of the characters and animals found in the Discovery Centre.

The next in the five-book series, “How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch” by Rebecca Beetson, will be released  in time for Christmas, with books three and four to follow in 2024 and book five in a limited box set in 2025.