First Nations Childrens Books
Across our collection, these First Nations children’s books are created to support children, families and communities through life’s big feelings and experiences with warmth, honesty and cultural safety. Grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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, children are supported to feel seen, understood and connected.
Our books are developed to help children navigate experiences such as grief, loss, identity, belonging, 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, children and communities. This collaborative approach helps ensure the stories are culturally responsive, emotionally safe and meaningful for children 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 children to build emotional understanding, strengthen cultural connection and feel supported through the relationships and communities around them.
Explore Our First Nations Children's Books
Supporting the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of First Nation youth.
Where Will You Go To Remember?
Where Will You Go to Remember? is a gentle, culturally safe First Nations children’s book designed to support children navigating grief after the passing of a parent or family member, including suicide bereavement.
COMPANION GUIDE
This companion guide offers practical help and resources for health professionals to use alongside the children’s book ‘Where will you go to remember?’.
COMING SOON
Watch this space for our next book coming soon.
Supporting families and the workforce
We provide gentle, evidenced base, culturally appropriate guidance for parents and carers and health professionals through storytelling to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations youth.
Professional Development Training
Our evidence-based workshops support professionals working within First Nations communities.
Get in Touch
Connecting Through Storytelling
We’re here to support you in building capability through storytelling to support social and emotional wellbeing. Whether you have a question about our children’s books, want to explore our programs, or are interested in booking a professional training session, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore Our Stories – Discover our children’s book series
Discover Our Training – For schools, educators, and community services
Partner With Us – For professionals, health services, and community organisations
Email: tntstorylines@gmail.com
Location: Clontarf QLD, Australia
Stories that guide and support First Nations youth
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 children 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 youth through stories that celebrate identity, connection to Country, and the strength of community, providing a pathway to healing and emotional endurance.