Geigi the Stubborn Boy (Elliot Passi & Michael Passi, illus Elliot Passi, ILF)

In Geigi the Stubborn Boy, Torres Strait Islander authors Elliot and Michael Passi (with illustrations by Elliot Passi) draw on their cultural heritage to tell a simple but resonant morality tale. In this bilingual story told in English with some Meriam Mer words, the titular character is a cheeky and mischievous boy who delights in the familiar pleasures of childhood – swimming, dancing and singing – while also learning traditional Torres Strait Islander practices, such as fishing “with his big boy spear”. When his mum warns him not to go to the other side of the island, Geigi’s stubborn curiosity gets the better of him, and he sets off confidently, convinced the fishing will be better there. When he spots a man on a neighbouring island, Geigi decides to play a trick to prevent him from catching his own fish – a decision that sets the story’s consequences in motion. The earth-toned illustrations, punctuated by vivid blues for the water, complement the island setting and cultural context. While Geigi’s eventual comeuppance feels inevitable, the story delivers an unexpected twist that readers aged 7 and over are unlikely to anticipate. With its themes of parental concern, youthful defiance and the repercussions of thoughtless actions, Geigi the Stubborn Boy offers both cultural insight and a clear moral framework.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Thuy On is an arts journalist, editor, critic and poet. She has published three collections of poetry. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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