The Binna Binna Man
When MY GIRRAGUNDJI was written there was no plan to continue the story in any further books. THE BINNA BINNA MAN announced itself late one day when I was feeling very disheartened about another piece of writing I was working on. I decided to go to bed and sleep my sorrows away.
As I was lying there waiting to drift off, this very powerful voice described not only the storyline for THE BINNA BINNA MAN, but also a further story which would become NJUNJUL THE SUN. Both these stories stayed with me through the night and into the next day.
Boori was in Sydney at the time. When I phoned him to ask how he felt about these next two storylines he replied, "Let's get started."
Only a week or two before the deadline for the manuscript to be with the publishers, there was no satisfying ending for THE BINNA BINNA MAN. Boori and I were in North Queensland with family taking photographs for the book but also checking the story through with elders who have played a vital role in approving each book we have co-authored.
One morning, we were sitting eating breakfast. Aunty Val, who was travelling with us, began to tell a story about the power of the Binna Binna man eunji or spirit. I stopped eating and started listening as hard as I could. As Aunty continued the story, she looked straight into my eyes. The story she gave us that morning over breakfast formed the perfect ending for the book.
Cover Blurb
"The Binna Binna man is a big fulla and he stinks like a goat. He can be good and heal you, but if you poke fun at him or go to touch him then you can get into big trouble like die.'
In Binna Binna country you should watch where you go, even on a night when life is so stuffed up that nothing matters any more. You go wandering too far and you might come face to face with your worst nightmare - the Binna Binna man.
Filled with laughter and affection, this is the powerful story of a boy who is learning that if you forget where you come from you get weak.
To stay strong you must listen to the old people with your eyes and your ears - and your heart.
Awards
Winner, Book of the Year, New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards 2000; Winner, Ethol Turner Prize for young people's literature, New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards 2000; Winner, Ethnic Affairs Commission Award, New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards 2000; Winner, Book of the Year and author/narrator book, TDK Audio Book Awards 2000
LISTEN TO AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK
