Two young lizard friends in the Outback of Australia want to ‘wear’ their best for the annual Dreamtime Celebration where all the animals come together for the ceremony honoring the Sky Above and Earth Below, and all that nature has to offer. It will be a very important event in their young lives. Then, they have the brilliant idea of enhancing their own natural markings for ones they think are “extra special” rather than accept themselves for who they are, but it all turns a bit sour. How do they learn to accept themselves rather than pretend they need to be different? The lizards soon discover that truth is more important, and also that forgiveness goes both ways in Dressing for Dreamtime. Besides the story, the book contains a 38-page Glossary featuring color photos and descriptions of some mammals and locations in Australia and the Outback. WINNER! ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARDS - GOLD MEDAL and named BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR! WINNER ! Literary Titan Gold Medal - Children's WINNER ! The BookFest - Second Place - Children's WINNER ! LA BookFest - Honorable Mention Editorial Review from Literary Titan "What an exquisity little book! A wonderful journey through color for young story lovers! - Reedsy Review 8/2/2023 "This is a story that has been passed down through generations of Australian Aborigines, and at the end of the book, there is a glossary...animals and terminologies from Australia that are mentiond in the story. ...five out of five stars" - Online Book Club Review In the vast expanse of the Australian Outback, Dressing for Dreamtime , by J.E. Rogers, introduces readers to Nintaka, a young monitor lizard embarking on a pre-ceremonial walk. The Dreamtime Ceremony, a significant event in the outback, gathers all animals to express gratitude and celebrate. Nintaka's journey takes a turn when he meets Milbili, a goanna lizard. Together, they decide to dress up for the occasion, but their plans quickly go awry, leading to unexpected challenges. This book is a contemporary retelling of a traditional Dreamtime tale from Australia, delving into the sacred Aboriginal concept of the Dreamtime — the origin of creation and a nexus between the physical and the spiritual world. Through the adventures of two lizard friends, the narrative is infused with humor and a subtle moral lesson, making it both entertaining and informative. The story's vivid structure and the accompanying bright, culturally respectful artwork pay tribute to Australia's rich heritage. An extensive glossary at the book's end, complete with full-color photos, extends the learning experience, inviting readers to explore Australia's unique flora and fauna. The inclusion of user-friendly internet links provides an opportunity for further exploration, leading to discoveries like the enigmatic thylacine. Dressing for Dreamtime i s a multifaceted gem, offering cultural insight, educational content, and captivating storytelling. It's an excellent resource for anyone interested in Australian mythology, zoology, and botany, appealing to a wide audience from curious youngsters to adults. The book offers an opportunity for a wonderful shared reading experience, whether in family settings or educational environments, inviting all to partake in the anticipation of Nintaka and Milbili's Dreamtime Ceremony. This narrative is an invitation to celebrate the spirit of Australia and its ancient cultural traditions. Readers Favorite Review A young perentie (Monitor) lizard named Nintaka was going to take a little walk. His mother reminded Nintaka about the Dreamtime ceremony, an important event for the inhabitants of the Australian Outback. It was set for that evening, but Nintaka promised not to be late. Soon, Nintaka noticed another lizard, a goanna named Milbili. The goanna told Nintaka that he was doubtful about coming to the Dreamtime ceremony. He didn't look colorful enough for the event, where all animals should show off their best colors. Nintaka offered his friend an original solution. Dressing for Dreamtime by J. E. Rogers is a wonderful story for children and animal lovers of any age. Dressing for Dreamtime is an educational read. Also, it is full of wisdom, like a legend of the past. The book offers information that will be interesting not only to young readers but to adults as well. In Dressing for Dreamtime, J. E. Rogers speaks about the culture, traditions, religion, and spirituality of the Aboriginal people of Australia, sharing fun facts and giving us insights into their fascinating history. Rogers' writing style is very appealing. It makes the narrative easy to comprehend for children and compelling for adult readers. The story of Nintaka is both humorous and cautionary. Rogers creates vivid and lovable characters, like the inventive Nintaka. Dressing for Dreamtime shows children the meaning of true friendship and encourages them to avoid vanity. I liked the amazing illustrations by Project K2 that reminded me of