A book filled with sentimentality, wonder and poetic prose that is visually striking.
Bindi is a verse novel that is both poetic and gripping. Kirli Saunders is an award-winning children’s author and poet. While citing the book as being partially autobiographical, it is also a call for action for primary school readers to “understand their role in conservation and caring for Country.”
It is the lyrical story of 11-year-old Bindi who also narrates the tale. The world, in her eyes, is a pretty amazing place from her vantage point between two cultures – that of her Aboriginal ancestry and that of the white Australian world where she and her family live, study and work.
When the town is threatened by Australia’s worst bushfires, everyone is forced to evacuate, leaving behind their belongings and fearing for their lives. Trapped in the rescue centre where food and water begin to get scarce, the community is eventually allowed home to discover the fate of their property and valued possessions. Bindi’s optimism for the world is rewarded as she observes:
In the aftermath
we learn what community really means
those with homes
open doors to their neighbours
meals and beds are shared…
This is not only a call to care for Country, but a story of a child’s faith in humanity, her connection to past and present, and the gifts bestowed upon us from Mother Nature. It is filled with sentimentality and wonder with poetic prose that is visually striking:
Mum/Rosie
is warm butter sliding down toast:
she melts people
with her kindness
Told in English with Gundungurra words sprinkled throughout, the short dictionary at the back clarifies any struggles with meaning, although the clarity of Saunders’ narrative needs little interpretation.
The simple but effective illustrations by Dub Leffler enhance the text rather than match or overwhelm it. The focus of Bindi is, rightfully, on the message and the storytelling. And that message, for those who need to be spoon fed, lies in the final words of the book:
through it all, we will always persevere.
Bravo.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Distributed by: Magabala Books
Released: November 2020
RRP: $16.99 hardcover
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