The book tells the stories of the Butchulla people, the Indigenous people of Fraser Island and the Fraser Coast, Queensland. Published in 1964, it was the first Aboriginal children's book to be published and was written and designed by Butchulla siblings Moonie Jarl (Wilf Reeves) and Wandi (Olga Miller), both of whom have since passed away. The Legends of Moonie Jarl gives a deeper understanding and appreciation of Butchulla culture among the broader community, and contributes to community pride locally.