New Children's Book Highlights Torres Strait Culture
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has released Geigi The Stubborn Boy, a children's book written by Torres Strait Islanders Michael and Elliot Passi, now available through the ILF online bookshop and bookstores nationwide.
Geigi The Stubborn Boy is an illustrated adaptation of a traditional Torres Strait Islander creation story, focusing on themes of listening to elders, family, and courage. The story explores the behaviour of the Giant Trevally and Triggerfish around the islands of Mer, Dauer, and Waier.
Author Michael Passi shares, "The story is an adaptation or retelling of a Traditional Torres Strait story that my grandparents, Aunties and Uncles used to tell me while I was sitting on Zomered village on Mer."
Cultural Representation in Literature
Elliot Passi, co-author and illustrator, emphasised the importance of representation in their work, stating, "I wanted there to be more from the Torres Strait Islands. Knowing that a kid who is like me could pick up this book and say 'Oh, I know this story, this place' fills me with a lot of joy."
This publication is the duo's first collaborative project, blending Michael's storytelling heritage with Elliot's contemporary illustrations. According to ILF Publishing Projects Editor Nea Close-Brown, the book stands out for its engaging narrative that imparts valuable cultural knowledge.
Michael Passi hopes the book will increase awareness of Torres Strait Islander culture across Australia. "Once we got south of the Queensland border, no one really knew about Torres Strait Islanders," he remarks.
The story is special because it pulls you in and reveals knowledge of a far-away place, yet it stays with you with familiar messages about listening to your Elders and what happens when you muck around.
Beyond celebrating Torres Strait Islander storytelling, the authors aim to introduce more Australians to Torres Strait culture. This effort is part of planting a seed in people's minds about the second Indigenous culture in Australia.
The book launch events are scheduled for 9th June at the State Library Queensland in Brisbane, 29th June in Townsville, and 5th July in Cairns. A live-streamed author talk will be available nationally from the National Library of Australia on 30th June.
