Kind Crocodile by Leo Timmers. Translated by Bill Nagelkerke. Gecko Press, 2023. 9781776574704
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Board Book
What did you like about the book? Kind crocodile finds himself in the rescue business as various small animals run to him for help from pursuers. Mouse runs from snake; crocodile chases snake away. Warthog runs from hyena; crocodile chases hyena away. After a dustup involving vultures and a lion, all of the rescued animals give chase. They’re a team: “Nothing can scare us ever again!” But, what happens when kind crocodile says “Grrrrrr” to his new friends?!
This Dutch import is a wonderful read aloud, with simple text and adorable paint and collage artwork. I love the attenuated shapes of the animals, with big eyes and prominent teeth. It’s fun to notice their expressions as they go from prey to safe on crocodile’s back. Readers will giggle to see crocodile squashed flat by rhinoceros. After a moment of suspense, there will be contented smiles to see that crocodile was just joking about eating his friends. The final page shows the animals stacked on one another, this time with rhinoceros on the bottom.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? For fans of funny animal stories, ages 3-6.
Who should buy this book? A first purchase for daycare centers and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Board books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: February 3, 2023
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