If The Bristol Crocodile helps children discover a love of books, encourages families to spend time together and inspires them to explore this wonderful city, then I feel I’ve achieved something truly worthwhile. – Kat Yeadon
Kat Yeadon is a Bristol-based author and illustrator, and the creator of The Bristol Crocodile. The range of books and cards only began publishing this year, but has been stocked in bookstores across the city, including in the retail section of our Visitor Centre. While dropping off new stock for us, we made time to do a quick interview with one of our team members about her process, inspiration and why she loves coming and supporting the Yard.
What was it about the Bristol Crocodile legend that prompted you to start a children’s book series?
Back in 2014, I read a story about a crocodile that had been spotted in the River Avon. I immediately thought it would make a wonderful children’s story and perhaps even become a Bristol legend that families could enjoy for generations to come. As someone born and raised in Bristol, I loved the idea that our city could have its own modern-day legend. It felt magical, mysterious and uniquely Bristol.
Over the following decade, I found myself returning to the idea again and again. I spent years developing the stories, experimenting with different artistic styles and gradually bringing The Bristol Crocodile to life, but life and work meant I could only work on it whenever time allowed.
It wasn’t until last year that I was finally able to devote myself to bringing the project to life. By then, I realised I didn’t just want to write one children’s book. I wanted to create a character that children could grow up with, one that would encourage families to explore Bristol together, spark their imaginations and create lasting memories. That’s really where The Bristol Crocodile began.
You’ve had this idea ever since the urban legend originated in 2014. What was the most significant challenge you faced before debuting your first book in 2026?
When I started, I had no experience of publishing or illustration, so everything had to be learned from scratch. I taught myself every aspect of self-publishing, from writing, illustration and book design to printing, copyright, and working with retailers. There were countless hours spent writing and rewriting the stories, drawing and redrawing the characters, learning all the practical things that go into producing a professional publication.
Creating The Bristol Crocodile himself was a journey in its own right. During those ten years I experimented with just about every medium I could think of – nothing quite captured the character I had in my mind. It wasn’t until I started doodling on my iPad using Procreate that he finally began to emerge. It was really important to me that he was simple, friendly and instantly recognisable. I wanted very young children to be able to recognise him and even have a go at drawing him themselves. Ironically, creating something that looks simple is often the hardest part, so every line, colour and expression was carefully considered until he became the crocodile you see today.
The main aim of The Bristol Crocodile is to help children and families connect with the city through their imagination. How do you decide what Bristol landmarks and imagery best spark that curiosity?
I always look for places that already have stories to tell.
Children are naturally drawn to places that feel exciting, unusual or full of mystery, and Bristol has so many of them. Whether it’s the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Underfall Yard, the historic harbourside, hidden caves or colourful waterfront buildings, every location offers an opportunity to ask questions, inspire curiosity and encourage adventure.
I also choose places that families can actually visit together after reading the books. I love the thought of a child recognising somewhere they’ve seen in a story and saying, “Look, that’s where the Bristol Crocodile went!” If the books encourage families to spend time exploring Bristol together, then they’ve achieved exactly what I hoped they would.
You have a strong commitment to keeping your printing and manufacturing within Bristol or the UK. Why is supporting local businesses and the local community so central to your work as an artist?
The Bristol Crocodile is a celebration of Bristol, so it has always felt important that as much of the project as possible should support local businesses too.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with talented printers, retailers and manufacturers who genuinely care about quality and craftsmanship. Producing the books and products within Bristol or the UK allows me to build real relationships with the people involved, maintain the standard I want and invest back into the community that inspired the stories in the first place.
Supporting local businesses has always been an important part of the project because, in many ways, The Bristol Crocodile belongs to Bristol. It’s incredibly rewarding knowing that a character inspired by the city is also helping to support local creativity and independent businesses.
Over the past year, The Bristol Crocodile has grown from an idea into a collection of books, greeting cards and activity products. What would you say has been the moment you are most proud of?
It’s amazing to think that this has all come together over the past year after more than a decade of developing the stories and characters. Since then, I’ve published four books, expanded into greeting cards and activity products, seen The Bristol Crocodile stocked by some of Bristol’s best-loved attractions and independent retailers, and I’m delighted that the books are now also being enjoyed in 15 nurseries in and around Bristol.
Every new milestone has been incredibly special, but what makes me proudest is seeing children connect with the character. Watching them smile, point out the crocodile, colour the illustrations or excitedly head off to explore Bristol reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
If The Bristol Crocodile helps children discover a love of books, encourages families to spend time together and inspires them to explore this wonderful city, then I feel I’ve achieved something truly worthwhile.
Underfall Yard is a historic site for traditional maritime crafts and has been featured in your work many times. How does the boatyard inspire your perspective on Bristol’s heritage?
I love that visitors can see traditional engineering, craftsmanship and boatbuilding continuing today rather than simply reading about them in a museum. It reminds us that Bristol’s maritime heritage isn’t something that’s been left behind; it’s still part of the city’s identity.
As an illustrator, it’s also endlessly inspiring. The working boats, cranes, workshops and atmosphere of the harbour provide the perfect backdrop for The Bristol Crocodile’s adventures and encourage children to look a little more closely at the world around them.
As well as being a historical site, we also serve as a cultural attraction with our café, visitor centre and retail section. What first enticed you to work with Underfall Yard?
When I was deciding which places to include in The Bristol Crocodile’s adventures, Underfall Yard was an obvious choice. It brings together history, engineering, wildlife, beautiful waterside walks and creativity in a way that’s perfect for families exploring Bristol together.
The support I’ve received from everyone at Underfall Yard has been fantastic. It’s been a pleasure working with a team that’s so passionate about preserving Bristol’s heritage while making it engaging and accessible for visitors of all ages.
What can we expect from The Bristol Crocodile in the near future?
I’ve recently published The Bristol Crocodile, The Bristol Crocodile Around the Harbourside, ABC with The Bristol Crocodile, and The Bristol Crocodile Colouring Book and premium plush toys of The Bristol Crocodile and his seagull friend are currently in production.
I’ll also be appearing at the first Clifton Children’s LitFest this July, where families will be able to meet The Bristol Crocodile, enjoy storytelling and take part in creative activities.
I’m also very excited to have just completed the Bristol Crocodile Harbourside Trail, a free trail which will be available around Bristol Harbourside in the coming weeks. I hope it encourages even more families to get outside, explore together and discover some of Bristol’s wonderful landmarks in a fun and imaginative way.
There are plenty more adventures, books and trails already in the pipeline, and my dream is for The Bristol Crocodile to become a much-loved Bristol character that inspires children to read, explore and discover the city for generations to come.
Thank you, Kat, for speaking with us and for all your hard work. You can find The Bristol Crocodile on sale in our Visitor Centre and Cafe.