User:TheBigBamboohimself

The Big Bamboo himself! is a fictional panda bear created by children's writer and illustrator Martin Killips in 1994. He based the bear upon Chi-Chi, the panda bear once housed in London Zoo but after its death, on display in the main hall of the British Natural History Museum in London.

Martin Killips, literally as The Big Bamboo himself! is the author of five collections of children's poetry. The panda is also featured throughout all the books and in most of the poems. (www.TheBigBamboo.com.au) The style of the poems is cheeky and whimsical as well as educational. He has been described by one critic as Winnie-the-pooh meets Dr Zeus - with barbs! Another compared Martin Killips to a

Famously, the author, Martin Killips, had 1,300 refusal letters and 15 years to get published. Although the work was much admired, no publisher could find a ready niche for it, as it was so different to anything previously available. Eventually published by Australian publishers Murray David the books sold 50,000 in their first week.

The important characteristics of The Big Bamboo himself! are he is black and white, and therefore represents all races, colours and creeds. He is irreverent in a childlike innocent manner abut also deceptively perceptive in his observations. The purpose of The Big Bamboo himself! poetry, apart from entertainment, is to encourage children to think about the world around them and make them question the status quo.