Being Indy

By Zoe Gaetjens & Estee Sarsfield

Reviewed by Sandhya Parappukkaran

Zoe Gaetjens is a children’s and YA author. Her board book Little Angler was shortlisted as a Speech Pathology Book of the Year in 2024 and her debut YA novel, will be published in May 2026. Estee Sarsfield is an illustrator, designer, educator and zine maker based in the Blue Mountains. The collaboration of these two incredible artists has produced Being Indy, an important and engaging picture book that explores themes of belonging and acceptance.

The story has fablelike qualities enhanced by the black and white kingdom -which is obviously a playground but the allegory to society is clear in the interplay of the words and images. The opening sentence invites the reader to grandeur, a better life and safety.

There was no finer place to live than on the Mountain.

However, Percival, the leader with the tall, pointy hat, has created rules – only those who fit certain criteria are allowed in – ‘black & white only’  being one of the rules. Percival believes these rules will aid in keeping cohesion and peace. Our main character Indy is resourceful with charcoal, chalk and other methods to conceal her real identity. She starts to bury her real self under layers and props so that she aligns with the assimilation requirements because she is desperate for shelter, nourishment and community.

For a while, Indy feels happy. But it only takes the birth of a bright red bird from inside Indy’s hair and a strong downpour to threaten her existence. When the bird is airborne and being chased by a furious Percival and his crows, Indy has the option to remain anonymous, unless she chooses to run into the rain and save the bird. And she does, thereby exposing her real self. Percival yells at her to leave. But then solidarity happens. And the charcoal kingdom melts away to reveal individuality and tolerance, even for Percival.

This is a wonderful book that will work well as a shared read and for one-on-one bonding. Upon reading you can tell that each word has been carefully measured and weighed to earn its place in the narrative. The colour palette of primarily black, white and grey succeeds in pulling the reader right into this mountain world ruled by Percival. The placement of the images has been crafted precisely to create a seamless story-flow with pops of red adding tension but ultimately leading towards a satisfying ending.

WestWords 2025

Zoe Gaetjens

Estee Sarsfield

Sandhya Parappukkaran is the author of award winning picture books including, The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name (Notable book, winner of the 2022 CBCA Book of the Year New Illustrator Award and a finalist in the QLD Premier’s Literary Awards), Amma’s Sari (2023 CBCA Notable book and a finalist in the 2023 NSW Premier’s Literary Award), Stay for Dinner (winner 2024 NSW Premier’s Multicultural Literary Award) and her latest, Words That Taste Like Home.