Totally Bindi by Jess Black

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Random House Australia, 2010. ISBN 978 1864718584.
(Ages 7+) Picture book/non fiction. A stocking filler for young girls and boys, this compilation of all things Bindi and the Australian Zoo, will please many. Pages of photos of Bindi with various animals, her family and father Steve Irwin will keep the reader involved and interested in all the things Bindi does from day to day. Each double page is sumptuous in its photography and has bites of information aimed at getting information quickly and easily. From swimming, skiing, snorkeling, riding a horse, showing people and friends the zoo, to motorcycling, the child does a range of activities which will entrance the reader. Seeing her grabbing a tortoise, listening to a koala's heartbeat, cuddling a snake, feeding a crocodile, Bindi is shown in all possible stances at Australia Zoo.
Interspersed with the many animal photos is a range of photos of Bindi and her family, making this feel like a family album, and those entranced with Steve Irwin and his life, will see many photos of him in action. Along the way are cross word puzzles, recipes, questions to answer and quizzes, word games and activities, all designed to keep the reader interested and reading. With pages of information about animals the books will please all comers.
Fran Knight

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