Bapa’s Last Canoe by Maree McCarthy Yoelu

A simple, touching children s picture book about Bapa (Grandfather), a traditional canoe maker, and the making of his very last canoe. Bapa takes his three daughters away on a long canoe ride to go to school. They travel for many months to get to the city, seeing many animals and sights along the way and enjoying each other’s company.

About the Author: Maree McCarthy Yoelu is a Wadjigany woman, from the western Wagait region in the NT. She grew up in Daly River and now lives in Darwin where she works in radio. Liman is Maree’s grandfather. She writes to keep his stories and the Batjamalh language alive. She is the author of Brother Moon, illustrated by Samantha Campbell.

Samantha Campbell (nee Fry) grew up in the Northern Territory and lives in Darwin. She is descended from the Dagiman people from Katherine and as a child lived in remote communities across the Top End. Samantha is an accomplished artist and graphic designer. She worked as a freelance Graphic Designer for four years before illustrating her first children’s book Alfred’s War, written by Rachel Bin Salleh. Alfred’s War was later shortlisted for two literary awards. Samantha enjoys illustrating with a range of different mediums in many styles and is currently illustrating her tenth children’s book.

14 Oct 2025

Bapa’s Last Canoe by Maree McCarthy Yoelu ISBN 9781922777775