Award-winning Gunai writer and artist Kirli Saunders created this verse novel for children and humans of all ages. It's a book that's full of laughter and delight and the joys of everyday family life, even as it expresses undercurrents of sorrow and explores the disruptive fear and anguish that disasters can cause in life. It is illustrated throughout with magically feathery artwork by Dub Leffler, an illustrator descended from the Bigambul people of Southwest Australia.
I loved reading about the main character Bindi's life with family and friends, the meals she shares with her parents and siblings, and the ways in which she learns and shares knowledge about caring for country. We travel with Bindi as she nurses an injured cockatoo, breaks her wrist, plays hockey, paints at school, and is evacuated with her family and neighbours when an out of control canbe (bush fire) threatens their homes.
Kirli writes that "Bindi was written with compassion for every child who experiences the catastrophe of bushfires in Australia's newer history, with the hope that we will tread lightly and move with care - chanelling the ways of our First Nations Communities to honour Mother Earth."
I loved reading this book and experiencing the beauty and wisdom of country and community through Bindi's eyes. It was harrowing to read how so many people, plants & animals are threatened as the canbe reaches and rips through the town. The book points the way forward out of tragedy / back to traditional ways of caring for country in the poem "Back Burning", where Kirli writes:
"'Following the canbe
there's interest in traditional back burning
cool burns
that regenerate our plants
and limit undergrowth
to ease the risk
of catastrophic canbe
like the one that hit our town."
I particularly loved how many Gundungarra words this book introduced me to, which are gathered in a glossary at the end.
This beautiful, sad, joyful book was a perfect read for National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day on Sunday 4 August. Kirli dedictes Bindi to "those who plant trees" ?
I loved reading about the main character Bindi's life with family and friends, the meals she shares with her parents and siblings, and the ways in which she learns and shares knowledge about caring for country. We travel with Bindi as she nurses an injured cockatoo, breaks her wrist, plays hockey, paints at school, and is evacuated with her family and neighbours when an out of control canbe (bush fire) threatens their homes.
Kirli writes that "Bindi was written with compassion for every child who experiences the catastrophe of bushfires in Australia's newer history, with the hope that we will tread lightly and move with care - chanelling the ways of our First Nations Communities to honour Mother Earth."
I loved reading this book and experiencing the beauty and wisdom of country and community through Bindi's eyes. It was harrowing to read how so many people, plants & animals are threatened as the canbe reaches and rips through the town. The book points the way forward out of tragedy / back to traditional ways of caring for country in the poem "Back Burning", where Kirli writes:
"'Following the canbe
there's interest in traditional back burning
cool burns
that regenerate our plants
and limit undergrowth
to ease the risk
of catastrophic canbe
like the one that hit our town."
I particularly loved how many Gundungarra words this book introduced me to, which are gathered in a glossary at the end.
This beautiful, sad, joyful book was a perfect read for National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day on Sunday 4 August. Kirli dedictes Bindi to "those who plant trees" ?
Highly recommended for all readers! ❤️ Show more Show less