"Billabong" is what the Australian aborigines call a waterhole or the branch of a river. Crocodiles often live here. Because they are so strong and dangerous, they are called billabong kings. One such billabong king is Ben. And Ben has a problem: he has a terrible toothache. The only thing that can help him is a Crocodile Bird. Although the bird is a wonderful dentist, it charges an outrageous price for its services, which puts Ben in biting distress.
“Der Billabongkönig” is a witty story about domination and revolution, power and powerlessness, betrayal and solidarity, dictatorship and democracy. Matthias Kröner skilfully stages these complex themes in children's literature, developing a lively dialogue between the narrator and the main character. Ben often interrupts the narrator. Above all, he is often too embarrassed by what is being said. It shows him, who has just regained the air of the boastful macho, weak, morally vulnerable and fearful. The way out of distress is through the courage to resist, loyal friendship and the willingness to forgive.
This title was nominated for the 2023 German Children՚s Literature Award.