Gooramindi the crocodile by Quinlan Jaffrey. Illus. by Jade Goodwin

The tradition of storytelling, of passing on truths from one generation to another through stories, is brought to the fore in this exciting tale of crocodiles and their struggle for dominance. 

Gooramindi the old, wise and strong crocodile lives near Margaret River at Fitzroy crossing in northern Western Australia. Quinlan based the crocodile’s strength on his grandfather a man who taught his grandson about Country, passing on stories. The crocodile protects his area from his hollow in the river bank. Here he laughs and jokes with the children from the area, the Gooriyanndi kids. 

But one day he hears the kids crying out for help. He sees that the cheeky young crocodile, Walwarranga has taken Corey, one of the children. Gooramindi tears along the riverbank following the footsteps. He finds Corey tucked into a hollow and urges him to hide. He then calls Walwarranga out to release Corey. But the younger crocodile is hungry and wants to eat Corey. The two animals fight for a very long time. Eventually Walwarranga gives in: he might be younger but he is not as strong as Coorramindi, who sees him off telling him not to come back. Corey is taken back to his community on Goorramindi’s back. A feast is prepared in his honour, and he is content to laugh along with the children as he continues to patrol Margaret River.

This delightful story sings with community and responsibility, as the children laugh and play with the old crocodile, who patrols their area keeping them safe, a  symbol for the older people in the community.  

I love the inclusion of the map showing readers exactly where the story is set. And the large print words will have kids easily recognising them and acting them out. How can they sit still when the words, help, thwack and chomp loom before their eyes. Other descriptive words are also presented in larger print, encouraging children to recognise the words on the second and third reading. 

Stealing away Corey will have younger readers full of concern for the lad, and they will be relieved when Goorramindi saves the day, the fitting end to a good story.

Goorramindi looks perfect with his cowboy hat and neck scarf, ready to protect those who live in his area, feeling responsible for the children who play along the river. Colours dazzle the eyes as each page is turned, the green of the crocodiles, the blue of the river and red dirt of the land. 

And the endpapers will have children trying to find them in the illustrations in the story.

A short clip can be found here showing how Jade creates her illustrations. Another clip shows her making the things shown on the endpapers for a display: an activity which could be done in a classroom or at home. A colouring sheet is available from the publisher.

Themes: Aboriginal stories, Humour, Crocodiles, Northern Australia, Survival.

Fran Knight