Spirit of the Crocodile by Aaron Fa'aoso, Michelle Scott Tucker and Lyn White

The crocodile’s eyes were yellow, slit by a vertical pupil. 

The creature remained perfectly still, but it throbbed with life. 

Ezra felt goosebumps in spite of the afternoon heat, 

and took a few steps back.

‘Is that thing looking at you?’ asked Mason.

‘Nah. How could it be?’

It took me many days to read this book but I am not the target audience. I did find myself wondering though, why Spirit of the Crocodile has been short listed by the CBCA even though I think it was a good choice for their Notables list and secondly, I wonder how many readers (target audience ages 10+) will have enough reading stamina to stick with this story right to the end. Spirit of the Crocodile has been short listed by the CBCA as I mentioned and by ABIA and for the Queensland Literary Awards and it was awarded Highly Commended in the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. It clearly appeals to many adult judges of book competitions here in Australia. I have made some suggestions of extracts you could use to entice readers in your library to read this book later in this post because there are some moments of good tension which young readers will enjoy. 

Here are the CBCA judges comments:

Publisher blurb: Twelve-year old Ezra is an ordinary boy who lives on Saibai, an extraordinary Australian island. He loves a laugh, he loves his family, and - almost more than anything - he loves a dare. But when one of his dares goes wrong, Ezra realises he needs to make some decisions about helping out and measuring up. He learns that there's more than one way to look at, well, nearly everything. And as ever-increasing climate disasters threaten Saibai, Ezra and his best mate Mason must draw on their resilience and courage to help the community survive a massive out-of-season storm. Set in today's Torres Strait, Spirit of the Crocodile is a captivating novel that explores the importance of culture, community and place to a carefree kid on the cusp of growing up.

Strengths of this story/book:

• An appealing cover
• The decorations used to fill the cover title lettering and chapter headings (check out the link to the blog Paperbark Words to read more about this - see below)
• The exploration of extended family relationships in indigenous communities
• The family relationships, sibling relationships and friendships - I especially love Ezra's little sister Tarzie.
• Descriptions of the island landscape and village

"Saibai's tiny village of maybe a hundred buildings perched on the northwest coast of the island. The village looked out to sea on one side and was hemmed in by bird-filled brackish lagoons on the other. Mason's home and the airport were at one end of Main Road. The other end of the road ran past the jetty and the council depot before finishing at the cemetery."

• Details of indigenous cultural practices and beliefs

"Ezra looked at the evening star, knowing it was part of the Koedal constellation and thinking about how he himself belonged to that crocodile clan. He thought about what Mum had told him - that Koedal was fierce and fast moving, but patient and knowledgeable as well. When Ezra's male ancestors died they became part of the Koedal constellation. when Ezra's time came, he would too."

• Ezra is so proud of his mum (and dad).

"Ezra's mum Zipporah, a teacher's aide, worked in the junior classes at the school on Saibai. Zippie was a tall, intelligent woman, full of enthusiasm and energy. With her beautiful green eyes, not a few of the littlies in her classroom were madly in love with her. She was studying part-time and online to become a fully qualified teacher."

Here are some very detailed teachers notes from the publisher (via Pegi Williams). 

Here is the author talking about his island. Further thoughts:

This quote could be a good discussion point with your class:

"the conversation sometimes veered off into a discussion about marine pollution; about which containers sank straight away and which ones kept floating for weeks; about how many and what a menace they were; about the impact of other discarded objects like fishing gear, and plastics, and household rubbish."

Ezra has a different experience of moving from Primary to High school - leaving Saibai and heading to Thursday Island. I imagine most readers of this book will have no idea about this and again this could be a good topic to discuss especially since this experience is not unique to Australia - I met a family on Fair Isle (Scotland) and their son was about to head away to his high school in Lerwick having just finished Grade 6.

It is vital to explore the topic of global change, and the dangers and evidence are a daily and terrifying reality for island communities such as this one on Saibai I did find this aspect of the story 

"He knew that the seawall, seemingly so solid and sturdy, was in fact a desperate attempt to keep the remaining community safe from the encroaching waters of the sea. Two years ago he'd seen a tide come up so high that the sea water sloshed right over the wall and inundated the gardens of many of the houses fronting Main Road. It was as if the wall wasn't even there."

"The whole world knew that islands like Saibai were in danger - that special tress like his were in danger, that houses like Mason's were in danger - and no one in charge was doing a thing to stop it. They said all the words, but they never did anything real. Nothing."

Here is another quote which you could use for a discussion with an older group of students:

"What it might give me is an easier way through to the whitefella world ... So I can learn how to use their stuff to help our people. Like Eddie Mabo did. Like the uncles achieved in the High Court. I want to learn how to use their rules, their laws, their knowledge."

The action in this story really does not 'heat up' until page 175+ of the 242 pages. This makes me wonder if readers aged 10+ will 'stick with' this book right to the end. There are a couple of terrific scenes earlier in the story though. If I was sharing this book with a group in the library here are a couple of the scenes you could use for a book talk: When Ezra dives under the truck pages 101-103 and the awful incident with the spear fishing 'gun' pages 155-157.

Joy Lawn from Paperbark Words talks to the creators of this book.

It is books like this about community and culture that truly showcase what a different culture is like, what they contribute and how they bring two worlds together to create lives filled with joy, family and everything they need to live. It acknowledges the conflicts and knowledge gaps, and shows that using what you have at hand can be the best way to work towards making a difference. The Book Muse (this review has a good plot summary).

Spirit of the Crocodile is, in many ways, an extremely relatable, age-old story exploring the pain and excitement of growing up. However, its evocative descriptions of island life, kinship systems, trilingual code-switching, cross-cultural negotiation, and community resilience also offer a generous and original insight into Torres Strait culture. Story Links

There is real tension which the authors bring to a head and then resolve beautifully. The Australian Legend

Here is a 12 minute ABC Pacific radio review.

Companion book to read after Spirit of the Crocodile:

Swimming against the Storm

Having now read all six of the CBCA 2026 Younger Readers shortlisted titles I cannot help but observe that the CBCA Younger Readers short list for 2026 does seem to be a little contrived because the choices by the judges seem to fit into very specific categories. One graphic novel - Inked; a junior chapter book for the youngest readers - Tim tie-your shoelaces; a verse novel - Little Bones; the action thriller Run by Sarah Armstrong; a realistic fiction title The Paperbark Tree Committee; and one indigenous title - Spirit of the Crocodile.

Dewey Display an idea you could adapt for your library

I saw this idea on Literacious - you could easily adapt this to your own library as a way to promote your Non-Fiction collection. 

The blogger says: With a new month, it’s time to start a new series of blog posts! This time we’re going to take a closer look at the Dewey Decimal System. For each class of numbers, I’ll share twelve specific titles for kids that you might find in that class. 

I know you won't have these exact books but these screen shots will give you an idea about the way this works.

Source Literacious

Today, we’re going to start with the 000s. This is the very beginning of the Dewey Decimal System. Here you’ll find books about general information found in encyclopedias and almanacs as well as information about computer science, libraries and books, and controversial knowledge (think monsters, aliens, etc.)

Source Literacious

Let’s move on to the 100s! And if you missed the 000s post, please take a moment to check it out! The 100s are for philosophy and psychology – not the typical subjects for kids, but you’ll find some valuable and fun books in this section. While there are books about philosophy and psychology, there are also books about haunted mansions and ghosts, and books about feelings and emotions. Plus, you’ll even find some really great books full of inspirational quotations and great life advice!

Source Literacious

We’re halfway through the Dewey Decimal System and we’re up to the 600s! The 600s are all about “technology” but let me caveat that with the fact that it’s not about computers. It’s about medicine, transportation, space travel, and more! You’ve also got farm, pets, and cookbooks, thrown in this section as well! It’s got a little bit of everything, which is one of the reasons why it makes such a great section to browse! You’ll definitely be surprised by what you’ll find!

These posts from Literacious might also give you some book shopping or book wish list ideas for your primary school library. (please note the links on Literacious do take you to Amazon). 

Once I was a Giant by Zeno Sworder

Zeno Sworder and Thames & Hudson Australia have skillfully produced a picture book that transcends age, extending the idea of what picture books are and who they are for.

This is my fourth post about this splendid book Once I was a Giant - I have never penned four posts about one book but now that Once I was a Giant and Zeno Sworder have WON the Book of the Year ABIA award I just need to celebrate all over again.

Here is the book cover again with all the award stickers!

Awards: Victorian Premier's Literary Award Winner; CBCA Picture Book of the Year short list 2026; Bologna Ragazzi Awards Amazing Bookshelf selection; Australian Booksellers Association 2026 shortlist; ABIA (Australian Book Industry Award) 2026 Winner

It is rare for a children's book to win the main ABIA award although Bluey at the Beach was the winner in 2020; Nevermoor in 2018; and Shaun Tan's book The Arrival won Australian Book of the year for Older Children in 2006. I wasn't able to find all the past winners so this is just a selection. 

Children's author Andrea Rowe said on Instagram: "If there was ever a moment for our Australian Kidlit community to collectively hug each other and lift an author / illustrator aloft on our shoulders while chanting, it's this moment. Zeno we are so thrilled for you. ... And once more for the people at the back who ask if children's writers are going to write grown-up books - a children's book just won the ABIA award BOOK OF THE YEAR."

Now check out my previous posts:

19th September 2025

21st September 2025

18th March 2026

Thinking again about Once I was a Giant ff you subscribe to Magpies Magazine here in Australia I have to say I was quite dismayed to read the review of Once I was a Giant in May 2026 Vol 41 No. 2 page 35. This reviewer clearly has a different opinion to mine and many other reviewers/bloggers/critics. You might compare her comments with the review from Magpies Magazine Volume 41 No. 1 page 34 which I have referenced in my 18th March blog post (link above).

The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) are publishers' and literary awards held by the Australian Publishers Association (APA) annually in Australia since 2001. The awards celebrate "the achievements of authors and publishers in bringing Australian books to readers". Award recipients are first selected by an academy of more than 200 industry professionals, and then a shortlist and winners are chosen by judging panels. ABIA present 14 book awards, eight business awards, and the Lloyd O’Neil and Pixie O’Harris awards. Read more about the judging process here.

I should also mention a few of the other ABIA winners:

Of course I am thrilled with the 2022 overall winner!

On the Wing by David Elliott illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

From the graceful cranes flying across its wraparound cover to the single feather on the title page to the soaring eagle at the end, this book astounds. Kirkus Star review

If you have a bird fan in your family this is a book to hunt out in your local or school library. This book would also be good to share with your class as a model of writing succinct poems. It was published in 2014 with a paperback in 2017. I think this book might still be available to order. The short poems about a huge variety of birds are well worth sharing and reading aloud but it was the illustrations in this book that really captured my attention. I especially love the owl; cardinal (male and female); two puffins; and the Japanese crane. 

Here is the poem about the Australian Pelican:

Oh, good heavens!

Oh my word!

The biggest bill of any bird.

Ask the fish - he's no slouch!

The biggest bill, the biggest pouch!

Oh, good heavens!

Oh my word!

What an oddball! What a bird!

And The Puffin

The puffin

is unique - 

especially 

its beak.

Bookseller blurb: Take to the sky to explore a glorious array of all things avian, from the tiny, restless hummingbird to the inscrutable horned owl to the majestic bald eagle. David Elliott and Becca Stadtlander bestow a sense of wonder onto such common birdfeeder visitors as the sparrow, the crow, and the cardinal and capture the exotic beauty of far-flung fowl like the Andean condor, the Australian pelican, and the Caribbean flamingo.

I had not heard of US illustrator Becca Stadtlander and when I hunted out her books online, none were familiar, but many look very appealing. The library I visit each week has a couple more of her titles so I will add them to my 'to borrow/read' list. 

I previously talked about Baabwaa and Wooliam by David Elliott illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Here are some other books by David Elliott:

The Queen on our Corner by Lucy Christopher illustrated by Nia Tudor

Begin with the title - the queen (clearly from the cover this is not image of a queen); our corner - so this is set in a familiar neighborhood. Our not the corner. Think about a shared responsibility to help others. 

"I've been trying to tell Ma about the Queen on our corner. She's right there at the end of our road, in the plot of land that never got built on. ... I didn't notice her before either. Like everyone else, I just walked by."

After she warns the people in the town of a dangerous fire late at night things change.

"The people on our street stop and look. And then they see her. They thank the Queen finally. They give her water and blankets but I know what she wants best is her own palace."

Well not a real palace - just a home. 

Blurb: Nobody notices the unhoused woman on the corner. Nobody, that is . . . except one young girl. Through her eyes, the woman who dwells in the abandoned plot is a warrior queen, with many battles fought and won. When, one day, danger comes to the street and the queen on the corner sounds the alarm, the little girl must find a way to thank her. Can she bring the community together to turn the queen's corner into a home?

This book is an Empathy Lab title. And you could use it to talk about two of the Sustainable Development Goals - 1. No Poverty and 2. Zero Hunger.

I don't always notice dedications but this one from the author is poignant: "To those who see Queens."

The Queen on our Corner is available in paperback so it is title you could consider purchasing for your school library. 

This hopeful tale uses a youthful view of the world to imagine what our society could be like if all people and their experiences were valued and respected, though it leaves caregivers on the hook for explaining to justice-seeking children why the story’s resolution is unlikely in real life. The illustrations match the innocence of the text. Kirkus

The little girl believes the people on her street haven’t noticed the queen and it isn’t until the end of the story, when the queen is hailed as a heroine, that the people ‘see her.’ This would be an interesting theme to explore with children. Is it actually the case that people haven’t seen her? Why might they walk by the queen and not acknowledge her? What does it mean to ‘see’ someone? Should a person, homeless or not, need to prove their worth to be accepted? Just Imagine

Companion books:

Home for Grace

I saw Pete and Pete saw me

This Old Man

The Invisible

It's a no money day

Here are some other books illustrated by Nia Tudor:

Greedy Frog by Gregg Dreise

From the back notes: "Although Tjidalih or Water Holding Frogs aren't found everywhere in Australia, several Aboriginal Indigenous Nations do share Dreaming with these beautiful creatures. Therefore, this story has been turned into a book several times. The frog is known as Tiddalik, yet we pronounce them Tjidalih. The "j" beside the "t" lets you know to put your tongue on the top of your mouth, rather than behind your teeth as is done with the letter "t". Try it."

Here is the opening sentence: "Way back before Once-upon-a-time time, there was the Dreamtime and the outback was in the middle of a drought. Yirray, the sun drank all the water."

Publisher blurb: A clever frog, Tjidalih, promised to take care of all the water. But he kept it in his pouch. The animals had to work out a way to trick Tjidalih, to make him laugh to spill the water. This is the famous story of Tjidalih the Frog retold by Greg Dreise according to the traditions of the Goomelroi/Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales. It s a bold imaginative tale underpinned by a wry humour to reinforce the importance of sharing and supporting each other in hard times.

I enjoyed the way Gregg Dreise gives young readers several hints that Tjidalih is 'up to no good':

"Tjidalih had a big, not-so-honest grin on his face."
"Tjidalih had a huge, far-from-honourable smirk on his face."

It would be especially good to talk to your library group about the power of a word like 'smirk' and also when the animals finally get Tjidalih to laugh there is a touch of mockery about this which could be another good discussion point. Tjidalih is laughing at poor Burrung is caught in her own tangle. You could also research the way the final words in this book link with traditional practices of using water-holding frogs (they are real) as a way to obtain water.

It would be so interesting to share Greedy Frog alongside other books that feature this greedy water guzzling frog. With older students you could talk about traditional indigenous stories and the common themes found in stories told in different parts of Australia, by different indigenous storytellers and in different indigenous languages. 

There is also the issue of WHO should re-tell the story and the changes to our thinking about this over time. If you have a High School group you might look for one or two of the very old versions of this tale which did not have indigenous authors - Tiddalick the Frog by Susan Miho Nunes illustrated by Ju-Hong Chen (1989); What made Tiddalik Laugh by Joanna Troughton (from the UK 1986); and I found a Joy Cowley Story Box reading scheme version. (Trove list 67 book references that include the word Tiddalik and 33 with the word Tiddalick)

This version is from 1980

Wikipedia explains the story: In the creation myth, Tiddalik awoke one morning with an insatiable thirst and started to drink until he had gulped down all the available fresh water. Creatures and plant life everywhere began to die due to lack of moisture. Other animals conspired against Tiddalik and devised a plan for him to release all of the water he had consumed. This was successfully coordinated by a wise old owl, when Nabunum the eel made Tiddalik laugh when he tied himself in comical shapes. As Tiddalik laughed, the water rushed out of him to replenish the lakes, swamps and rivers.

Here are some versions that might be in your school library:

Read more here. And also I have a post about Susan L Roth. 

Further reading:

The Aussie Handbook

Museums Victoria

Aboriginal Creation Stories

You could also use Greedy Frog as a way to talk about other trickster tales. 

Gregg Dreise is a gifted artist, storyteller and musician, and he features the didgeridoo and guitar in his performances at schools, libraries and festivals. He is a descendant of the Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales. He is the author and illustrator of Cunning Crow; Silly Birds; Kookoo Kookaburra; Mad Magpie and My Culture and Me.

I previously talked about Turbo Turtle from this series - every school library needs this full series. 

Read more here on the Magabala web page.

Gregg Dreise also illustrated this version:

What the Macaw Saw by Charlotte Guillain illustrated by Sam Usher

Bookseller blurb: Told in gentle rhyming verse, this beautiful non-fiction picture book follows the story of a flock of colourful macaws as they live their lives in the Amazon rainforest. Through the voice of one of the macaws, we hear about the bounty of the rainforest, as well as the challenges they have faced – threatened by the destruction of their home through machinery and forest fires to make room for vast plantations. Still, there are some areas where the land is protected and they can live a life of freedom among the trees… perhaps in the future, humans will learn the true value of the forest once again Accompanying non-fiction pages at the end of the book include information on endangered macaws, the importance of the rainforest, and the causes of deforestation, as well as what we can do to help.

This book is a perfect example of a well-designed nonfiction book. Younger children will enjoy the first person narrative told in rhyme and then curious older readers can discover more from the four fact pages. 

In the wild Scarlet Macaws live from the south of Mexico, through central American countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras, to as far south as northeast Argentina in South America. Macaws are quite common in the Amazon rainforest but further north the bird is more endangered. 

A picture book that will link to classroom themes on protecting the environment, encouraging young children’s research skills to find out about endangered species, rainforests, birds around the world and to stimulate writing and discussions to persuade and inform on these topics. Just Imagine

What the Macaw Saw was published in 2022, and so I pleased to see it is still available for a really good price in 2026. This book could be a good addition to your library.

There are two other books in this series:

The name of the illustrator - Sam Usher caught my eye. I am a fan of his picture books:

Image source: Sam Usher

Publisher bio: Sam Usher studied illustration at the University of West England. His debut picture book Can You See Sassoon? was shortlisted for the Waterstones Prize and the Red House Children's Book Award. He lives in London with an ancient housemate, and when he's not holding a pen and wobbling at paper, you'll find him playing the piano, eating chocolate and trespassing.

Charlotte Guillain is the author of over 100 books. I need to say I had not heard of her - but now I will hunt out more of her books. She creates books with her husband Adam. 

Meet the illustrator Zuzanna Celej

Bookseller blurb: We have always been told about the power of imagination, but what is imagination? How does it work? There is a magical place where you can always be yourself. In there you can turn on your light and illuminate your life with it. That place is your imagination. Your imagination has a life and a voice of its own. It is like a voice that speaks inside of you and paints everything around you with vivid colors. Within your imagination you are the king or queen of your creation. Open the door and discover how that place where we can always be ourselves is like and how does it work. And within your imagination ... what is there?

Zuzanna Celej is a new discovery for me - I picked up the book Inside my Imagination and was immediately drawn to the illustrations. As usual, I wondered why/how the library where I work as a volunteer had selected this book. It turns out it won a couple of awards - albeit awards I have never heard of, such as the Moonbeam Children's Book Award. 

Zuzanna Celej is an award-winning children's book illustrator as well as an artist and painter. She has illustrated more than fifty children's books (the majority are in Spanish), including The Map of Good Memories by Fran Nuño, which won the New York City Big Book Award, The Lighthouse of Souls by Ariel Andrés Almada, The Old Oak Legacy by J. L. Badal, Tania Val de Lumbre by Maria Parr, El secreto de Abuelo Oso by Pedro Mañas and Inside My Imagination by Marta Arteaga, which won the Moonbeam Children's Book Award for Best Illustrator and the Living Now Book Award for a children's picture book. Originally from Poland, Zuzanna now lives in Barcelona.

I was not able to find a book source for this image - but I do think it is very delicate and beautiful:

Here are some more books illustrated by Zuzanna Celej:

Read more here

Publisher blurb: What is a lighthouse of souls? It's the light that guides Leo and his grandpa over distant seas, to discover those who wait every night for a gentle word to help them fall asleep with a smile on their lips. The Lighthouse of Souls is not only a tender tale of the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren, but also between all of those who look for something they share in common: a light that guides them towards hope.

Bookseller blurb: Moon knew it was unusual to see a green turtle. Out of all the sea turtles in the world, they were the species that was most at risk. "What is it Turtle? Why are you here?" The turtle beckoned, Come, with its strong front flipper, and, as if it had actually spoken, Moon knew that it wanted to show her something. Many animals are in danger because of human activities. An animal at risk of extinction is a species that will only be around for a short while longer, unless steps are taken to save it. Moon 's Messenger reminds us of the importance of conserving and respecting the environment, and that we can all help to protect nature and biodiversity.

Read an interview with Zuzanna Calej on Let's Talk Picture Books 

With Butterfly’s Wings is a tender story about a girl who loses her beloved grandmother 

and finds comfort in remembering her through what she learned from her.