Synopsis
Annoyed when the other crocodiles crowd and copy him, a young croc goes off by himself, only to find that he sometimes enjoys the company around him.
Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz - Children's Literature
Crocodile doesn't like to be crowded. But every time he finds a good new place to sun bathe or to float, the other crocs keep following him, because he's always doing new things they think are fun. Even when he finds a mountain top he thinks is only big enough for him, all the others squeeze in there with him. But back in his old pool, with the others gone, he finds it cold and lonely, until the others surprise him. When they join him, he finds that he actually enjoys sharing the fun. He still steals away once in a while, however, to be alone until they catch up with him again. The simple story leaves room for discussing being alone versus having company, as well as what it means to be a "copy croc." The jungle setting is simply painted, almost child-like in its broadly stroked foliage and colored dots of coconuts, just right for the black-outlined, multicolored, playful crocs. It takes only a very few lines to demonstrated their sprightly interactions. Check out the difference between the front and the back end-papers. 2004, Peachtree, Ages 3 to 7.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Crocodile doesn't like to be crowded. But every time he finds a good new place to sun bathe or to float, the other crocs keep following him, because he's always doing new things they think are fun. Even when he finds a mountain top he thinks is only big enough for him, all the others squeeze in there with him. But back in his old pool, with the others gone, he finds it cold and lonely, until the others surprise him. When they join him, he finds that he actually enjoys sharing the fun. He still steals away once in a while, however, to be alone until they catch up with him again. The simple story leaves room for discussing being alone versus having company, as well as what it means to be a "copy croc." The jungle setting is simply painted, almost child-like in its broadly stroked foliage and colored dots of coconuts, just right for the black-outlined, multicolored, playful crocs. It takes only a very few lines to demonstrated their sprightly interactions. Check out the difference between the front and the back end-papers. 2004, Peachtree, Ages 3 to 7.—Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz