Aka the Pet Crocodile

By Jeffrey Aniba Waia

Take a deep dive into the waters of the Torres Strait when Aka the crocodile becomes part of the family. Learn Kalaw Kawaw Ya language and discover how great power comes with great responsibility-Saibai Island style

"AKA the Pet Crocodile," a bilingual picture book in Kalaw Kawaw Ya (KKY) and English, which weaves together a timeless Torres Strait Islander tale of love, responsibility, and cultural heritage. Perfect for young readers this story introduces children to the rich traditions of Saibai Island while fostering empathy, environmental awareness, and respect for Indigenous cultures.

In this captivating tale, eleven playful children from the Saibai Koedal Clan share an extraordinary bond with their pet crocodile, Aka. Loved like a grandmother, Aka is at the heart of their adventures-until the children forget to feed her. What follows is a profound lesson about caring for others and respecting the natural world. The story also preserves a unique cultural tradition: each child's name is linked to a part of Aka's body, a practice that endures among families with the Koedal as their totem.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1764078306
• ISBN13: 9781764078306
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Saybayalgaw Yangu Wakay
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 11.0" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 1 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7