‘This is a story of trying to fit in, and discovering the true worth of being yourself.’
Through Indy’s eyes, we are introduced to a rather surprising and enticing
playground world. In it, the children playing are big, tall and rendered in
black and white.
‘There was
no finer place to live than on North Mountain,’ is the line that opens the book,
setting the tone for a wander through some very deep, heartfelt issues.
The biggest boy in the story, Percival, rules the mountain playground. And if you don’t conform to his rules then you are destined to watch longingly over the fence while others play.
Suffice to
say that the lure of all those playground caves and swings and climbing things feels
enormous - if slightly uncomfortable - to the children on the wrong side of the
fence.
The story
of how Indy ingeniously manages to gain entry to this bizarre play-world through
creative deception, is familiar and surprising both at once. As are the
consequences!
The thoughtful narrative has been interpreted with a brilliant, fresh illustrative sensibility – which in turn supports and amplifies the breadth of the text. So it’s win-win all the way.
The pictures are utterly unique in style, and compelling. Depicting the landscape of ‘the mountain’ as a magical playground allows the reader to let go of what is expected or normal. and allows us to fully inhabit this picture-book world.
With its
limited and subdued palette of gouache paint, wax pastel and coloured pencil,
the artwork lifts, sings and pops in those places when light and colour are
introduced.
An
important and memorable book.
Highly
recommended.
Title: Being Indy
Illustrator: Estee Sarsfield
Publisher: Westwords, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923044517
For Ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book
