When the black cockatoo

disappears

and the sky dries

I’ll know we’re done for

I have to admit to not being a big fan of verse novels, but Bindi by Indigenous woman, Kirli Saunders is most definitely an exception. Written from the perspective of eleven-year-old Bindi in Gundungurra Country, it gives readers a slice of Bindi’s everyday including her love of hockey; art; her horse, Nell; bawa (the bush); and garrall (black cockatoo). When fire threatens Bindi’s home, their town and the land, the community comes together as one.

What I really loved about this book was the simplicity of language; the way the words spoke to the reader:

And for a moment,

I forget

that Mum was taken.

Written so simply and so beautifully, the words in this story speak of more than just themselves. Beautifully illustrated by Dub Leffler, one of Australia’s most sought after Indigenous illustrators of children’s literature, Bindi is a book you will treasure. A glossary at the back of the book was a big plus for me. Highly recommended reading.

About Bindi

WINNER Daisy Utemorrah Award 2019

Meet 11-year-old Bindi. She’s not really into maths but LOVES art class and playing hockey. Her absolute FAVOURITE thing is adventuring outside with friends or her horse, Nell.

A new year starts like normal—school, family, hockey, dancing. But this year hasn’t gone to plan! There’s a big art assignment, a drought, a broken wrist AND the biggest bushfires her town has ever seen!

Bindi is a verse novel for mid-upper primary students. Written ‘for those who plant trees’, Bindi explores climate, bushfires, and healing. Written from the point of view of 11-year-old, Bindi and her friends on Gundungurra Country.

Published by Magabala Books.

I purchased my copy through specialist children’s bookshop, Paperbird Books based in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Advertisement