The Yumba - an Aboriginal settlement - is home to Herbie, his brothers, sisters, relations and friends on the outskirts of town. From his back door the view of his playground stretches beyond the banks of the Warrego River - as far as the eye can see. Living between two cultures, he attends lessons in a one-room school by day, seated under a picture of the Queen. At nightfall he listens to the tribal elders around the campfire and learns the lore of his people. For young Herbie his Yumba is a village peopled with friends and family, who keep an eye on him and his mates. But there's always escape to the surrounding hop-bush plain - a larrikin's paradise. In time Herbie takes to the saddle as a jackeroo, and travels beyond his beloved Yumba. 'Herb Wharton transforms the written word with his original brilliance and Aboriginality.

He is an inspiration to all indigenous writers.' Jackie Huggins.