Raindrops and Dreams

Written by Katrina Tsaftaropoulos. Illustrated by Marina Wilkinson.

Acknowledgement: We extend our deepest gratitude to Legal Aid NSW, and in particular the Domestic Violence Unit and its leaders. To those who work in helping people who have experienced domestic violence, thank you for standing beside your clients and offering them strength, safety and a way forward.

© Legal Aid NSW 2025 All rights reserved. National Library of Australia ISBN 978-0-6485746-5-1

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Written by Katrina Tsaftaropoulos. Illustrated by Marina Wilkinson.

This book is dedicated to the brave children and women who have endured, and continue to endure, domestic and family violence. To those who find the courage every day to find safety, rebuild your lives, to heal, or to hope – your strength and resilience are inspirational. May this story be a reminder that light can always find its way through the darkest of times. To the ones we have lost, your lives mattered, and your voices and stories will echo forever. You are heroes, and this story is for you. �

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In a swamp down under where the lilies bloom, lived Bubbles the crocodile, in a watery room. “G’day mates! My name’s Bubbles, and this is my swamp! Come with me, and I’ll show you where I chomp!”

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“This is my Dad, he’s the croc in charge! He’s green and he’s spikey and really quite large. Dad runs the swamp, he’s the main guy, he makes the rules, no one else would try!”

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“Mum is here, always ready to give us a hug, holding my sis Lillygator who’s snug as a bug. Mum works so hard, she’s always on the go. How she gets it all done, we just do not know!”

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“This is my home, I hope we stay forever, all the other animals will have a home like this never!” The stars above sparkled, like diamonds so bright, dancing on the water like a party all night. The swamp was alive with crocs near and far, playing and splashing below the evening star.

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But deep under water where no one could see, “Something happened,” said Bubbles, “it really scared me! The rumbling started and the heavy raindrops fell, this was not good, Lillygator and I could tell. Dad got cranky, as cranky as can be, he even threw a big fish at me! Dad called us names and said words that hurt, he also ripped up my favourite shirt!”

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Dad’s tail thrashed all through the night. “But worst part of all, he gave Mum a huge bite! Mum always tries to be so strong, even though everything has gone so wrong.” Dad swam away and Mum let out a sigh. Lillygator and Bubbles started to cry.

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Mum hugged them both, “Aunty Alice will take you tonight.” Before letting go, she promised, “we will be alright.” Bubbles and Lillygator were scared and in tears, but their Aunty Alice wiped away their fears. Their froggy friend Lucy was also there, to show them how much she really does care.

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Back on the land, Dr Susie came near, “Don’t worry” she said, “I’ll help you my dear. I’ll fix up your tail, because I know you are sore, you’ll be home with your kids in no time at all.”

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Police Officer Pepper arrived with a worried face, “A home should be safe, and this isn’t the case. Getting angry and screaming all through the night, you gave your whole family quite a big fright! You can’t be biting and throwing things around, and now for you, a new home must be found.” Lillygator and Bubbles cried out in dismay, “No, it can’t be right, please, let him stay!”

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Kookie saw what happened and took to the sky – she told all the animals, then off she would fly! “Come on everyone, let’s get together, to show our friends that they deserve better. Our friends need our love, and our warm caring smiles, let’s do what we can for our favourite crocodiles!”

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The clouds got dark, and the sky was a haze, the kids had some really difficult days.

The swamp felt different and not quite as fun – Quokka Miss Apple said , “Let’s get some sun. You see kids, what Dad did was ever so wrong, but things will get better , it won’t be too long.” Dad was told that his ways had to change , so the kids would be safe when playdates were arranged.

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After some time, Mum’s tail healed like brand new, the kids got to see Dad! Lucy and Kookie came too. “Daddy!” the kids screamed with all of their might. Dad said, “I’m sorry for how I behaved that night. Biting and yelling and being mean, is definitely not how Daddy should have been. Mummy I’m sorry, I hope you’re okay, maybe you’ll be able to forgive me one day.”

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Kookie and Lucy came around with some toys, to watch the kids play with Dad (they made lots of noise)! The kids had fun, it went by like a flash, before they knew it, Dad had to leave with a splash! “I’ll be back,” he promised, “I love you so much,” and he hugged them tight with a gentle touch. Mum said, “I know you’re sad, but you’ll see Dad soon. Let’s snuggle up now and check out the moon!”

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The kids still got sad and wished Dad was here, but they really liked not living in fear. As Bubbles and Lillygator laid down to dream, seeing their family happy, they started to beam. Beneath little raindrops while drifting away, they dreamt of the good times coming their way. So come my dear friends, let’s turn off the light, because now it’s time for a very good night!

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Glossary – Characters

Crocodile family:

Aunty Alice: aunt to Bubbles and Lillygator, Mum’s sister.

Lucy: trusted family friend, supervisor.

Dr Susie: doctor who treats Mum’s injured tail.

Sophie: seen in pictures with Mum – butterflies are a symbol of hope, transformation and growth. Sophie acts as Mum’s guide. Rosie : seen in pictures with Dad, symbolising transition, spiritual growth and self realisation. Rosie acts as Dad’s guide.

Mum

Dad

Kookie: kookaburra who

spreads the news of what has happened, supervisor.

Miss Apple: therapist, counsellor, or support worker.

Bubbles

Lillygator

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Symbology Lotus flowers: lotus flowers are symbols of rebirth, renewal, resilience and strength. Lotus flowers are present through the story, representing the journey of all the family members and friends who are present and assisting with the family’s recovery. Butterfly nurses: represents the nurses and social support workers who assist Mum, symbolising help and guidance. Bruise/bandage on Mum’s tail: represents physical harm and injury. Miss Apple’s apron and apples: shows the hard and complex work done by professionals who work with domestic and family violence survivors. Apples represent life, good health, future happiness and renewal. Aunty Alice’s hand on Lillygator’s snout: signifies the care and comfort provided by family and friends. Fish: symbolises that domestic and family violence impacts multiple individuals who surround the primary victims. Also shines a light on children as victims in their own right. Flower on Mum’s head: symbolises the changes in Mum’s physical and psychological state and her emotional journey. Sometimes the flower is vibrant, sometimes wilting, sometimes fallen – depending on Mum’s wellbeing.

Kookie: kookaburra who gathers the community in support of Mum and the children. Represents the community standing up against domestic and family violence. Glow lights around Kookie: represents the often hidden nature of domestic and family violence, despite the contrasting view of living in a magical and happy environment. The beginning of the domestic and family violence incident: depicts stormy waters that reflect Dad’s anger and physical, verbal and emotional abuse towards others. Dad’s large and angry physical appearance compared to Bubbles’s small stature represents power imbalances between adults and children, and also symbolises the vulnerability of children. Under water: representative of the hidden and undisclosed nature of domestic and family violence. Heart on Bubbles’s overalls: represents love and affection, care, life, vitality, emotional strength, unity and togetherness. Colours of blue and pink where Mum and Dad meet at a bridge: represents the bridge between the separate worlds of two people. Represents individual journeys to recovery. Rainbow and children’s toys : symbolises hope. Children’s items such as a teddy bear and bicycle symbolise the children returning to dreaming of age and developmentally appropriate things and experiences.

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Raindrops and Dreams tells the heartwarming tale of Bubbles the crocodile and his family, who live in a vibrant swamp. As a storm builds, the story takes a turn when Bubbles’s father becomes angry, leading to distress, turmoil, and separation within the family. With the help of Police Officer Pepper, Dr. Susie, Kookie, Lucy, Miss Apple and others, the family navigates through challenges and learns important lessons about family values, safety and resilience. Despite the hardships, the story ends on a hopeful note as the family’s relationships take a new form.

Through its vivid imagery and touching narrative, Raindrops and Dreams explores themes of family, safety, and the resilience of the human (or in this case, crocodile) spirit.

MNLA60805