Three new picture books created in the remote Northern Territory community of Yirrkala reflect Yolŋu life, language and connection to Country, offering young readers bilingual stories rooted in the culture of East Arnhem Land.

Published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF), the books were developed through a community-led workshop with ILF Lifetime Ambassador Alison Lester, author Jane Godwin and designer Lee Burgemeestre.

Yirrkala School, known for its long-standing bilingual education model, hosted the collaboration which resulted in stories drawing on personal experience and traditional knowledge.

'On the Way to Yalaŋbara' is written by Rärriwuy Garramu Marika and illustrated by Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs.

Both are respected Elders from the Yolŋu community.

The book tells the story of a family's journey to the sacred homeland of Yalaŋbara, based on a real trip taken by the authors.

Ms Garramu Marika said the book came from a day spent guiding a Melbourne University visitor.

"It's a true story. We had a visit from a lady from Melbourne University and we decided to take her out to our homelands," she said.

"But you have to know how to drive on sand."

Ms Garramu Marika said inspiration struck during the ILF workshop.

"So, when we had a workshop with Alison Lester, I thought about the photos that we took on that day and about our adventures of not quite reaching Yalaŋbara, and we decided to turn it into a book."

"It's a very beautiful place. The water is clear and the freshwater hole is right next to the sea.

"A lot of turtles come up and lay their eggs all along the beach."

The illustrations were developed from photographs taken during the trip.

Ms Ganambarr-Stubbs used pencil and ink, while background watercolours were created by Yirrkala School students.

The story was written in Dhaŋu and translated into English.

The Dhaŋu version, titled 'Bala Yalaŋbarali,' is for the community while the English version is available for sale.

'Ŋäṉḏi ga Gatapaŋa (Mum and the Buffalo)' is written by Djawundil Maymara, a Maŋgalili woman raised by a Gumatj Elder.

The book, illustrated by Yirrkala School children, tells the story of a family collecting pandanus and encountering a buffalo.

It is written in Dhuwaya and English.

'Guḻun' (Billabong)' is a counting book created by Yirrkala School children.

Written in Dhuwaya and English, it introduces 12 local animals found near the billabong.

ILF Ambassador Ann James praised the work.

"Bursting with the cleverness of its cheeky, bright creators… the illustrations and text are absolutely brilliant - you can count on that," Ms James said.

All three books are now available on the Indigenous Literacy Foundation website.