About the book:

There was no finer place to live than on the Mountain. Folks came from everywhere wanting to live there – including Indy. But the mountain was ruled by Percival, and he had rules. He didn’t let just anyone in.

• "Indy lives on the Mountain. It’s where everyone wants to live, and they come from everywhere to do so. Except, it also has rules and is led by Percival, who wants everyone to follow his rules. Everything has to be black and white. Everyone has to fit in and look the same to keep everyone safe, or so Percival says. So Indy sets about finding a way to fit in. Until…a colourful bird and the rain emerge, and change everything. Can everyone be brave enough to stand up to Percival?...A touching story and fable about how we include people, and what fear can do to people." The Book Muse

This is a story of trying to fit in and discovering the true worth of being yourself. A tale of courage, kindness, and finding your place in a world that says you don’t belong.

Set in Estee Sarsfield’s bold and surprising world of playgrounds, big hair and defiant colour, Zoe Gaetjens’ insightful and heartfelt text follows Indy’s journey to independence.

Why this book?

• "Challenges ideas of exclusion and “rules” about who belongs, with a gentle resolution that celebrates diversity.
• Percival’s mountain becomes a metaphor for real-world prejudice and acceptance, told in a way kids can easily grasp.
• Indy shows courage and creativity as she disguises herself, then finds strength in her true identity.
• Percival transforms from gatekeeper to participant, modelling change and growth.
• Estee Sarsfield’s gouache, wax pastel, and pencil illustrations layer texture and colour, perfectly balancing whimsy and emotional depth.
• Crows, rain, and the bright bird carry symbolic weight, giving children extra layers to interpret through pictures." Read more on page 28 by clicking here

Topics & Themes:

Belonging, Inclusion, Activism, Speaking Up, Community, Individuality, Sharing, Childhood Identity, Respect for Persons, Acceptance, Difference, Fitting in, Valuing your True Worth.

Reviews for the book:

"An absolutely stunning collaboration you need on your library shelf" Click here for more from Julie Anne Grasso

"A modern-day fable. It is unique, powerful and oh-so relevant in today’s political climate.... 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... An important and memorable book. Highly recommended." Click here for more from Kids' Book Review

"What this book does is magical and beautiful... It is the differences in the world that make things work because we can all learn from people who are different to us... It’s a very powerful metaphor that can be explained in a range of age-appropriate ways.  Children and readers of all ages will get something out of this wonderful book." Click here for more from The Book Muse

"A timeless narrative about one’s internal desire to fit in and be accepted, and the lengths to which some will go to do so...Not only is it a powerful message, but it is expressed both in words and images so that even your smallest of Smalls will grasp the intent... Both visually striking and succinctly agile in a literary sense. It’s a 5 🛝🛝🛝🛝🛝rating for this unusual but impressive title." Click here for more from Just So Stories

"An important and engaging picture book that explores themes of belonging and acceptance. The story has fable-like 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... This is a wonderful book that will work well as a shared read... Upon reading, you can tell that each word has been carefully measured and weighed to earn its place in the narrative... Young ones reading this story will relate to playground rules and difficulties... Older readers will be able to compare the events in the book to individual concealment or cultural attrition by misguided systems, and may lead on to contemplative questions such as who holds the key to the coveted feeling of belonging." Click here for more from Storylinks

"A story of community, acceptance and speaking up. The concept behind this powerful story is to support and empower children to embrace their individuality and be their true selves... Children can easily relate to and imagine that they, too, would want to play in this playground... The perfect book for younger children to understand that even though people are different, they can still play together in harmony. For older children, it is a great opener for discussions on assimilation and acceptance. Being Indy is a book for our times, celebrating our differences rather than covering them up. Being Indy teaches children that it is okay to be yourself." Click here for more from Little Squirrel's Bookshelf

"Zoe Gaetjens’ astonishing allegory works on several levels. Children aged four to eight will immediately recognise Indy’s desire to fit in and be inspired by the idea of staying true to yourself. Older readers will appreciate the broader significance of the story from a modern political viewpoint, as religious clashes and the plight of refugees prove that acceptance of diversity is far from universal... Deep and dynamic, Being Indy is a picture book that deserves to be read many times. Each perusal will draw out a new and interesting interpretation of the tale, as well as a greater admiration for the strength of independence." Click here for more from Buzz Words Books

"A perfect picture book for exploring friendship green flags and red flags. It reads like a modern-day fable, gently reminding readers that true belonging never requires changing who you are to be accepted... The astute reader will notice the striking contrast; the world outside the mountain is full of colour and vibrancy, while life on the mountain is black and white. The use of colour serves as a powerful metaphor. The colour represents richness, diversity and possibility, while the mountains' black and white colour palette reflects rigid, binary thinking and homogeneity... Being Indy with its powerful message, invites readers of all ages to reflect on the value of diversity, the importance of standing in solidarity with others and the freedom that comes from embracing who we really are. This modern-day fable is a valuable addition to any classroom or home library, offering both a compelling story and a thoughtful springboard for discussions about belonging, inclusion, empathy and community." Click here for more from Reading Opens Doors

About the author:

Zoe Gaetjens is a children's author and high-school English teacher living and working on Dharug Country.

As a year 11 student, Zoe attended a life drawing workshop where she failed to plan anything significant. She has since traded her charcoal for a laptop and writes books for children and young adults. When not writing, she works as a high school English teacher.

She is a member of both SCBWI and the CBCA, and has served as Vice President for the Illawarra South Coast CBCA sub-branch.

Zoe won the Creative Kid's Tales Anthology Competition in 2016, placed second in the 2018 Just Write For Kid's Pitch It and was pleased to receive an honourable mention from Jackie French in the 2018 Buzz Words Short Story Competition. 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.

Zoe lives just outside of Sydney with her husband and three kids, where she enjoys borrowing way too many library books or sharing cake and book recommendations with family and friends. She believes that the books you love as a teenager stay with you forever.

Zoe on Being Indy: "When I set out to write Being Indy, I had the idea of a community who offered refuge to those who needed it... It is my hope that readers will enjoy Indy's story whilst also considering what it says about belonging, inclusion, activism and individuality."

Zoe's Instagram

About the illustrator:

Estee Sarsfield is a designer, artist, educator and illustrator living and working in the Blue Mountains on Dharug and Gundungurra land.

Her broad and eclectic practice is driven by exploration, play and critique. Estee has a deep love for working with print and paper. Some of her more recent experiments have been in hand-making paper, including a little book made from pulping cardboard boxes.

With a background in graphic design, print and book design, she currently teaches as a casual academic into several design units at the University of Sydney, yet has always been drawn to more tactile and analogue forms of making. She has an interest in local, non-commercial and community-focused projects and loves collecting and learning new ways of creating, having dabbled in almost everything, including silversmithing, spoon carving, collage, ceramics and wild basketry.

Estee is also a co-director at the volunteer-run risograph printing co-op, the Rizzeria. She facilitates a range of creative workshops and classes for all ages. Estee also facilitates a monthly zine-making meet-up and co-organises the annual Blue Mountains Zine Fair and has a cat who thinks he is a dinosaur.

She is interested in art as social practice, futures thinking, time measurement, speculative design, spinning wool and making zines. Estee is currently working on a picture book with local publishing house @loosepartspress and an exciting upcoming project for @bluemountainsbookshoptrail, but Being Indy is her first published picture book.

Estee on Being Indy: "When I was first sent the manuscript for Being Indy, I connected instantly to Zoe's story and the sense of adventure that was underpinned by the message of being yourself and the beauty that exists in difference" 

Estee's website

Estee's Instagram

Teacher notes & activities for the book:

WestWords Teacher Notes for the Book (click here)

Buy the book:

Dirt Lane Press (buy direct from the publisher), Booktopia, Amazon, Larrikin House, Abbey's, The Nile, Boffins Books, Harry Hartog, Boomerang Books, Best Little Bookshop in Town, Sanity, Collins Booksellers, Five Senses Education

About the show:

Curriculum Areas:

• The Arts (Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts)

• Critical & Creative Thinking

• Ethical Capability

• Personal and Social Capability

• English

• Technologies (Design & Technologies + Digital Technologies)

Capabilities:

• Literacy

• Critical and Creative Thinking

• Ethical

• Intercultural

• Personal and Social

Topics & Themes:

Belonging, Inclusion, Activism, Speaking Up, Community, Individuality, Sharing, Childhood Identity, Respect for Persons, Acceptance, Difference, Fitting in, Valuing your True Worth.

The show will bring the book to life!!! It includes:

Drama:

• Performance styles: A variety of performance styles in the show, such as Melodrama, Pantomime, Musical Theatre, Physical Theatre, Mime, Puppetry, Game Show, Improvisation, etc.

• Puppetry: a variety of puppetry styles in the show, such as Shadow puppetry, Hand puppetry, Marionette / String puppetry, and Board puppetry.

• Mask: Whole-face masks, part-face masks, noses, animals, etc.

Dance: a variety of dance styles are featured in the show, such as Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Boot Scootin', among others, many of which students get up & dance along.

Music: a variety of music styles in the show, such as Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Rap, Rock, Music Theatre, Folk, Reggae, Bushband, etc.

Visual Arts - Painted sets:  Painted on fabric, plywood, cardboard, paper & plastic.

Media Arts - Digital projections: Huge 100" projector screens on either side of the stage display images from the book & film clips of newly created content of sets, animations, green screen filmed sections of the characters performing, explosions & lighting displays. The result is an incredible viewing experience for the students. The screens are also used for shadow puppetry throughout the show.

Raised staging: 45cm high staging, 2m wide x 1m deep, ensuring everyone, even in very large groups, can see all of the action;

DMX coloured stage lighting: the very latest DMX coloured stage lighting is used throughout the show to create an intense & dynamic atmosphere throughout the performance.

Professional sound system & headset microphones: powered EV pro speakers, the DPA D-fine radio headset microphone & the Shure GLX bodypack are used to ensure crystal clear sound for even the very largest halls.

Audience participation: Students are used throughout the show to both participate in the audience (responding, singing or dancing along, creating scenes in the audience) & also join in on stage to operate puppets, dress in costume to become characters, create sets & props during the show, be part of improvised scenes or be contestants in a game show;

Full Q&A session after the show: a full Question & Answer session takes place, led by "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed., a qualified teacher with 24 years of experience running these sessions. Tony discusses in depth why he made certain decisions when creating the show (e.g. adding scenes or slightly changing them from the book, sets used, etc), and shows students how the props, sets, puppets, costumes, projections & sound were created for the show, as well as discussing the writing of the script & composing of the songs & music. A 25-minute FAQ video is also available to all staff & students after the show if more questions arise.

Lesson plans for teachers: Custom-created follow-up activities, discussion points & lesson plans are provided for all year levels, created by qualified teachers.

Public Liability Cover of $30,000,000 & Professional Indemnity Insurance of $10,000,000. Click here!!

Ticket Price (excl. GST) & minimum student numbers:

Live show:

• Within "Book Week" itself: $11.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 250 students, 2 show minimum 500 students, 3 show minimum 750 students, then $11.95+GST/student thereafter)

• Any other week outside of Book Week: $10.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 125 students, 2 show minimum 400 students, 3 show minimum 600 students, then $10.95+GST/student thereafter)

Payment Options:

How to pay: Direct deposit is our preferred payment method, but we also accept credit card (a 3% credit card surcharge applies).

When to pay: A signed contract is all that is needed to confirm your booking, rather than a pre-show deposit. No payment is required when booking. Full payment for the show is payable 2 weeks after the performance.

Year Levels: Foundation - Year 6. The show is designed as a whole school activity. It is both targeted & appropriate for all students from Pre-school right through to Year 6. Read more here.

Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Reviews for 2026's "Being Indy" live show

"Thank you so much for your visit today!! As always, it was super polished, theatrical and a beautiful performance. I love the songs and your singing, and the way you engaged the kids. I especially loved Indy's ballad about being out in the rain and talking puppets on the bridge. Your wife and daughter sound like they have made a special mark with all the beautiful backdrop and props like the bird's nest - so cool!!" Redeemer Lutheran College, Rochedale, QLD

"Primary students were treated to readers' for their first day back. Books to Life visited our school to perform a readers theatre performance of Being Indy, a CBCA 2027 shortlisted book for best new illustrator. The event was filled with games, song and story with many of our Primary students participating in this fun literacy-based event." Nambucca Valley Christian Community School, NSW

"Thank you so much for yesterday’s performance. The kids were thrilled and we have some amazing photos to add to our socials. The book is now flying into the classroom for a reread! We would also love to organise a visit to us next year!... FROM PAGE TO STAGE. The SGS Library has been buzzing since our librarian, Mrs Strachan announced ‘Books To Life’ would be performing. Books To Life brought “Being Indy’ to our primary students - live on stage. Based on the book by Zoe Gaetjens & Estee Sarsfield, published by Westword’s Children's. The STLC was packed with happy, whispering students. Then Tony "Bones" Appleby stepped out... and Being Indy leapt straight off the page! Drama. Dance. Puppetry. Music. So many laughs! Painted sets. An original song. Gasps and giggles filled the room. Hands shot up for every audience moment. Everyone wanted to be picked! Even the quiet students were on the edge of their seats. Then came Q&A and the questions did NOT stop. Puppets? Masks? Songs? How does one guy play THAT many characters?! From the back of the room, our SGS librarians were beaming. A story doesn't need to stay on the page to be loved - sometimes it just needs a stage. Huge thanks to our amazing SGS librarians for making this happen!" Scone Grammar School, NSW

"Thanks so much for your brilliant show today. Can you please book us for next year? We'd love to have you back!" Scone PS, NSW

"Fabulous show, yet again! Thank you... We kicked off the term with an engaging Books to Life show, bringing favourite stories to the stage and inspiring a love of reading in our students. It was a fantastic way to start the term, filled with imagination, laughter, and learning." Nemingha PS, NSW

"Thank you for your performance today. It was warmly received by our students, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thank you again for a wonderful performance." St Philip's Christian College, Port Stephens, NSW

"Thanks for another fabulous show. The staff and students raved about how brilliant it was and how you ensured that it covered a range of outcomes and age ranges. St Brigid's Coonamble would love to have you back in 2027 if at all possible." St Brigid's, Coonamble, NSW

"I wanted to write to thank you for the wonderful performance you gave our students last Wednesday. We all thoroughly enjoyed the show and are, amazed at how you included the children in all aspects of the story. They were so engaged. We would love to be on the list for next year's production - count us in!" St Joseph's PS, Molong, NSW

"This is the third year that Tony has brought Books To Life at our school. Tony's use of songs, puppetry, movement breaks, props and costumes meant the performance was engaging for all our students, ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6. Thank you for bringing this show to the Central West so our students can experience live theatre at a very reasonable cost!... Cathedral School students were captivated by an entertaining and engaging performance inspired by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2026 Notable Book, Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens. Performer Tony from Books To Life brought the story to life with music, dance and plenty of energy, with some special help from our enthusiastic Cathedral students! It was a wonderful interactive experience that celebrated the joy of reading, storytelling and imagination. A big thank you to Tony and Books To Life for an unforgettable performance that had everyone smiling! 🎭📖 “ Cathedral CPS, Bathurst, NSW

"Thank you so much for this morning. I have had many students telling me they loved it.” St Mark's Coptic Orthodox College - Junior School, Wattle Grove, NSW

"Thank you, Tony, for the amazing show. Everyone loved the show.”  St Bishoy Coptic Orthodox College, Mt Druitt, NSW

"We would love to book you again next year. The kids (and teachers) absolutely enjoyed your performance (as usual).” Hawkesbury IS, Kurrajong, NSW

"An absolute pleasure to have you at MPS! Students and staff loved the stories and the show! We look forward to having you back very soon!” Merewether PS, NSW

"Students of Braddock PS were very excited to watch and participate in a performance of Being Indy, produced by @books.to.life.theatre.in.ed This delightful production was based off our very own picture book Being Indy, written by Zoe Gaetjens and illustrated by Estee Sarsfield. The one-man show brought the book to life through music, song and storytelling, thoroughly captivating students and teachers alike.” Westwords Children’s Publishing.

"Our St Nicholas of Myra students kicked off Book Week in spectacular style with an amazing performance by Tony Bones and his Books to Life! Each year, Tony chooses a book from the CBCA Shortlist and brings its characters and story to life on stage. This year, our students were treated to Being Indy, a wonderful story about trying to fit in, discovering who we really are, and recognising the true worth of being yourself. A huge thank you to Tony for once again delivering an incredible performance and helping our students see just how magical books can be! “ St Nicholas of Myra PS, Penrith, NSW

"As part of our celebrations for Book Week, all classes watched a performance from Books to Life about one of the picture books of the year “Being Indy”. It was an engaging and entertaining presentation with important messages for all of us to learn from the story. Thank you Mrs O’Neill for organising this event.” Holy Spirit CS, North Ryde, NSW

"Students loved seeing Tony Bones “Books to Life” performance today, based on the book BEING INDY! What a fabulous, fun show! Thank you Miss A for organising a great show! 👏👏👏” Chipping Norton PS, NSW

"Today, our JC students were delighted to experience Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens and Estee Sarsfield, brought to life by Tony Bones from Books to Life. All students were so engaged in the performance and loved the interactive components. Through singing, dancing, puppetry, interactive games and digital displays, Tony shared important messages about inclusion, courage and celebrating our differences. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved, inspiring creativity, kindness and confidence in our students ✨😊 “ Caroline Chisholm School, ACT

"Our students were captivated as Books to Life brought Being Indy to life through an engaging and interactive performance! 📚🎭 The performance sparked imaginations, inspired creativity, and reminded us of the magic that stories can create. Thank you to Books to Life for such a memorable experience! 🌟💙” Merewether PS, NSW

"💛 BOOKS TO LIFE 💚 Today our students enjoyed an amazing interactive performance by Tony Bones, Being Indy. The show shared an important message about embracing our differences and celebrating what makes each of us unique. It was a fun, engaging experience that encouraged kindness, acceptance, and the confidence to be ourselves. Thank you, Tony Bones, for such an inspiring performance!” Toronto PS, NSW

"Our students were treated to Being Indy, a live children’s theatre production by Books to Life! It was a heartwarming story celebrating individuality and courage - an inspiring lead up to the CBCA Book Week celebrations.” St Mary’s CPS, Orange, NSW

"Assumption School enjoyed a special presentation by "Tony Bones" from "Books to Life", last week. Tony engaged every student in a very unique learning experience using CBCA Shortlisted text "Being Indy". He used song, games, puppetry and story-telling to bring this beautiful story to life. At least 35 students held very special roles assisting in some way throughout the afternoon. Tony finished with a great Q&A and staff were thrilled with the quality of questions posed by our students.” Assumption CS, Bathurst, NSW

"👏🌟📚 Last Friday, our students were spellbound by Tony Bones’ live performance of the Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlisted story "Being Indy" by Zoe Gaetjens and Estee Sarsfield. 👏🌟📚 Through singing, dancing, puppets, interactive games and digital displays, Tony highlighted the importance of inclusion, courage and accepting our differences. Thank you, Tony, for inspiring creativity and kindness in our students!” Medowie PS, NSW

"Thanks for visiting us, Tony Bones! We were thrilled to welcome Tony Bones today as he brought another wonderful book to life for us. Being Indy explores inclusion, embracing differences, finding your voice, and navigating challenging personalities in the playground. Through songs, dance, puppets and plenty of audience participation, Tony delivered a fun and memorable storytelling experience that had everyone captivated. We absolutely loved it!” St Phillip’s CC, Port Stephens, NSW

"📚✨ Today, our students are enjoying an exciting visit from Books to Life! This year's featured book, Being Indy, has been brought to life through an engaging, interactive performance that has had students from Kindergarten to Year 6 laughing, participating and being immersed in the story 📖👏” Holy Family PS, Kelso, NSW

“Last Thursday our entire school was thrilled to experience a captivating live performance by Tony Bones from the renowned drama company Books To Life. He brought the shortlisted book, ‘Being Indy’ to life right here in our hall stage, leaving everyone inspired and entertained. What an unforgettable way to celebrate the power of storytelling” Scone PS, NSW

"On Monday the students enjoyed a performance by Tony Bones. It was a performance based on the book 'Being Indy, by Zoe Gaetjens, a story of trying to fit in and discovering the true worth of being yourself, and of courage and kindness.” Lake Cargelligo PS, NSW

“A wonderful performance by Tony Bones” Epping Heights Public School, NSW

"Hi Tony, Thank you again for visiting our school for Book Week and performing Being Indy. The show was fabulous, engaging and wonderfully interactive. All of our students were captivated and thoroughly engaged throughout the performance." Ashcroft PS, NSW

"Thank you very much for your wonderful performance… I was hoping that you could book us in again next year... 6R had a fantastic time watching Being Indy, thoroughly enjoying seeing the engaging picture book brought to life on stage! ” Northbourne PS, NSW

“Thank you… We really enjoyed the show today!” Melton Christian College, Brookfield Campus, VIC

"Thank you for the wonderful performance. The children were engaged, and the message was such an important one for them to hear. We really appreciate the time and effort you and your crew put in to make these so impressive." Melton Christian College, Toolern Vale Campus, VIC

"Thanks for another great show on Monday. Everyone here agrees that you and your team do an amazing job with the whole performance, set, props, music and student involvement... Teachers have commented that your shows are so professional compared to other ones they’ve seen… (and) that you have a lovely singing voice 😊.” Birralee PS, Doncaster, VIC

"Thank you again for a great performance in Book Week. We loved the show and your performance... I will spread the word about how great you are" Haileybury College, Brighton, VIC

"Hi Tony, Great show, thanks again." St John Vianney's PS, Parkdale, VIC

"Fabulous show once again. Thanks!” Port Melbourne PS, VIC

"Thanks again. The performance was fabulous. Please forward us dates for next year." Middle Park PS, VIC

"All the children and teachers absolutely loved your Book Week performance of Being Indy. It was such a wonderful experience for everyone." Toorak College, Mornington, VIC

"Thank you again for this morning - I, as well as many of our students and staff, thoroughly enjoyed the performance." Phoenix P-12 College, Redan, VIC

"Positive feedback from both staff and students... I saw one of your shows today at Woady Yaloak Primary School and WOW... The book itself is beautiful. So many teachable moments. Tonight I have so many more ideas and excitement for teaching with this book." Woady Yaloak PS, Ross Creek, VIC

"Today we had Tony Bones from Books to Life share a spectacular performance about one of the Book Week books ‘Being Indy’. A story about trying to fit in and discovering the true worth of being yourself. Puppets, songs and audience participation enjoyed by all!" Sacred Heart PS, Tatura, VIC

"Our students had the opportunity to experience Being Indy, an interactive performance based on one of this year’s shortlisted books. It was fantastic to see the story brought to life and our students getting involved in the action!" Tongala PS, VIC

"Thanks, Tony, for another amazing performance! My grade absolutely loved it, especially those who were able to take part" Churchill PS, VIC

"Thank you for the fantastic performance yesterday. The students loved it." Naranga School, Frankston, VIC

"Hi Tony, Thanking you again for a wonderful performance. The staff and students really enjoyed the experience. We would like you to visit us again in 2027, hopefully around the same time," Andersons Creek PS, VIC

"We would love to rebook you for 2027" St Joseph's PS, Chelsea, VIC

"Many thanks, Tony and James, for visiting us this afternoon and putting on such a great show!... If possible, we would love to book you for next year" The Hamilton and Alexandra College, Hamilton, VIC

Hello Tony,

I hope this email finds you well.

Thank you for your performance today. It was warmly received by our students, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Would you please send through a copy of the invoice at your earliest convenience, as I haven't received the up-to-date version for today's performance with the change of date.

Thank you again for a wonderful performance.