Bindabinda is embarrassed when her grumpy teacher tells her that she is "too big for your boots". Her classmates stare at her and make faces - pushing their lips forward and back again, the Wongi sign language that means "you poor thing". Bindabinda first wore her friend’s shoes when she arrived at Mt Margaret mission school over two years ago but stopped wearing them because they were too small and hurt her feet and worries that they will stop growing. Sr Murray at the hospital sets Bindabinda’s mind at rest but she wonders why her teacher just didn’t say “it straight out the first time!”
Stunning, realistic watercolour, gouache and pencil illustrations sensitively portray the young girl’s emotions throughout the story as well as provide an insight into an Aboriginal child’s life on a remote mission. The Wongutha language (followed by English translations in brackets) peppers the children’s conversations. A glossary and pronunciation guide conclude the book.
Based on the childhood experiences of renowned educator and author, May O’Brien BEM descended from the Wongatha people of Western Australia, this is one of four stories that reveal the challenges faced by Aboriginal children growing up in missions in the ‘30s and ‘40s.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
