More than 50 people were in attendance to help artist Warren Brim celebrate the launch of his children's picture book, ABC Dreaming in Canberra on Saturday November 28. 

Held at the Botanical Bookshop in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the setting was a perfect fit for the launch, which began with a welcome and introduction to Magabala Books by Mithaka man and Director of Murrimatters Consulting, Scott Gorringe, and was followed by a didgeridoo performance by Warren's cousin, Dylan Curtis, who played in front of an audience for the first time. Warren's original artworks from the book were also on display and he produced three new paintings for the event.

"The book launch was a success and a perfect location," Warren said. "Everything went to plan and we had a great turnout of all age groups. Just about all who attended took home a copy of ABC Dreaming."

A descendant of the Djabugay people from north Queensland, Warren's artwork is inspired by the Dreamtime stories told to him by his family, who continue to have a significant impact on his life and creative process. "On the day of my book launch I was especially thinking about all my family from Mantaka who weren’t able to make it due to the travelling distance," he said. "I have a huge family, my Mum is one of 14 children, so it wasn’t just my mum who grew me up but also my granddad, my grandma and all my aunties and uncles. They taught me life skills and gave me a cultural upbringing that will be a part of me for the rest of my life."

Produced in consultation with early childhood specialists, ABC Dreaming is an ABC picture book that features striking hand-coloured linoprints and acrylic paintings, and introduces children to their alphabet and the beauty of Indigenous art in a bright and engaging way. It is Warren's second book to be published by Magabala Books. His first, Creatures of the Rainforest (with Anna Eglitis, 2005), was the inspiration for his latest release.

"I was really thrilled Magabala had offered to publish a second book for me and I feel privileged. From all the comments I have received I feel that ABC Dreaming will be another success like Creatures of the Rainforest," Warren said.

A special thanks to the Botanical Bookshop and Scott Gorringe for your generosity and time in helping bring this event together.