Bindi Sue Irwin, the 12-year-old wildlife conservationist who is behind a new children’s book series, appears today with her mother and brother on the third installment of Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure. The show pays tribute to Bindi’s father, the late Steve Irwin, whose conservation efforts the family has continued through their Australia Zoo in Queensland.
That zoo provides the setting for Bindi Wildlife Adventures, a series of chapter books co-created by—and starring a fictional—Bindi. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky is launching the wildlife conservation-themed series this month with Trouble at the Zoo by Bindi Irwin with Chris Kunz. Rescue! will be released in April, followed by Bushfire! and Camouflage in June, with two more titles due in the fall. “Following in her father’s footsteps, Bindi gives a timely, inspiring message about respecting wildlife and the environment,” series editor Rebecca Frazer told PW. “Bindi’s infectious energy and passion result in lively stories that are perfect for any reader who loves adventures, voyages, and of course animals.”
Bindi stepped into the spotlight at an early age, making her TV debut on her father’s The Crocodile Hunter at three years old. Her own television show, Bindi: The Jungle Girl, won an Emmy in 2008 and was again nominated in 2009. The vivacious girl has also won two Nickelodeon awards, and made her feature-film debut in Free Willy 4 last March.
“The most attractive element of Bindi Wildlife Adventures is Bindi,” says Dominique Raccah, Sourcebooks publisher and CEO. “While child stars can sometimes become wrapped up in their own fame, Bindi embraces her success as an opportunity to inspire more kids around the world to fall in love with the wildlife that means so much to her. The opportunity to work with Bindi and the Australia Zoo is incredibly exciting.”
Bindi’s fans can catch sight of her again at the end of March, when she visits the U.S. for scheduled appearances on Good Morning America, Regis & Kelley, Piers Morgan Tonight, and Rachael Ray. She’ll also headline bookstore and school events in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
