An Indigenous children's book written in English and Kriol has won the 2025 Karajia Award for Children's Literature in the picture fiction category.

'The Moon Story', written by Walmajarrri woman Marshia Cook and illustrated by Cook and her son Tamua Nuggett, was announced as the winner at the launch of Nature Book Week on 11 October at Harry Hartogs in Mosman, Sydney.

The Karajia Award, established in 2022 by the Wilderness Society, celebrates Indigenous storytellers sharing stories of Country, culture and community.

Ms Cook said the story draws from childhood memories of camping with family.

"The Moon Story is about a camping spot we use to go every winter time when we were small with our families," she said.

"It's a nice camping place near that old gum tree telling stories watching the moon rising."

She encouraged young readers to value language and culture.

"My message to the children all over everywhere is keep writing stories, keep your language strong, keep your culture strong while you got your Elders still around," she said.

"That's really important to know who you are, where you come from. To be a future role model."

The book follows a Fitzroy Crossing family camping under the stars and is written in both English and Kriol.

Indigenous Literacy Foundation Publishing Project Editor Samantha Mansell said the recognition highlighted the strength of Indigenous storytelling.

"ILF's Community Publishing program is all about platforming and celebrating the amazing work of First Nations' peoples living in remote Communities," Ms Mansell said.

"Seeing The Moon Story, a bilingual book in both Kriol and English, winning this award is an incredible achievement that highlights the strength of First Nations' cultures, languages and storytelling."

The book was one of three titles published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation shortlisted for this year's award.

The other books were; 'Ngayawanj bagan-nggul, ngayawanj barra barra-nggul: we belong to the land, we belong to the sea' written and illustrated by Vincentia High School with Kirli Saunders and Jaz Corr and 'Bbagan, barra barra, mirriwarr: The Boys Who Found Their Way' written by Tyran Uddin and Kayden Wellington with Kirli Saunders and Jaz Corr and illustrated by Vincentia High School.

Indigenous Literacy Foundation CEO Ben Bowen said the awards recognised the power of First Nations storytelling.

"These awards recognise the value of First Nation's people's stories, and the kinds of stories they wish to tell - stories that speak of Country and connection to Country," he said.

"Country isn't just a piece of land; it is everything - language, culture, mob and more. These books reflect just that."

Ms Cook, who lives in Fitzroy Crossing, released her first book Jarrampa in 2021.

'The Moon Story' is available in hardback, published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and recommended for children aged three to eight.