Review: Possum Skin Cloak


A person's identity, their story may begin before the day they are born. From that day though, their living, growing narrative takes shape and form, evolving into a tapestry of ancestorial significance. For many First Nations peoples, that tapestry is a possum skin cloak. Possum Skin Cloak describes not just a precious article of clothing, it's a picture book that stitches together the delicate weaves of belonging, family and cultural identity.

Penned by Aunty Faye Muir and Sue Lawson, Possum Skin Cloak, begins at birth with the wrapping of a newborn in the warmth of possum skin. It's a practical way to keep baby dry and warm and safe but also close to their mother's heart. As the child grows, so too does their story, their connection to country and their understanding of their place within it all. 

The handcrafted cloak is cobbled together with additions and subtractions, imbued with language, sacred stories and places. Understanding. The appreciation of one's responsibilities to family, Country and Songlines are embedded within the cloak's design representing an omnipresent, physical reminder of one's spiritual, physical and cultural place. A possum skin cloak is more than a mere wrap; it's protection and direction of traditions and accomplishments, practises and attainment. A map of the most complex and meaningful dimensions. A storyboard of where one's been and where one might move on to. A shroud to carry one gently into the next world. 

In lieu of an actual skin cloak to feel and admire, each page is suffused with intricate illustrations by Leanne Jones. Rich earthy colours reflect the essence of Country, pulsing with heat and heart, movement and scent. From the drifting smoke of ceremony and the squiggly gum patterns decorating ancient gums to the cloak images themselves; totems, flora and fauna, Songlines all entwined and connected, all moving lightly through the living years. 

There is a cornucopia of colours, customs and symbolic references that readers of all ages can sit comfortably within and explore and learn and appreciate, making Possum Skin Cloak more than an intensely beautiful tribute to our First Nation's culture which it solidly is, a visual treat. It is also an invaluable learning resource from which to explore and grow perhaps encouraging youngsters to create their own versions of decorated skins depicting their place within family and community. Afterall, we all have ancestorial stories to tell. 

Like the glorious endpapers festooned with red-tailed black cockatoo feathers, the notions of unity, family and strength of character ripple with clear and colourful distinction on the possum skin cloaks within and throughout. A beautiful book to behold. 

Title: Possum Skin Cloak
Author: Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson
Illustrator: Leanne Jones
Publisher: Wild Dog Books, $26.99
Publication Date: August 2026
Format:  Hardcover
ISBN:  9781742037226
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

Buy the Book: Wild Dog Books

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