Written and illustrated by Gemma Merino (Macmillan)
‘Once upon a time there was a little crocodile. And this little crocodile didn’t like water.’ So begins Merino’s charming tale of a a crocodile who wants to love playing in water just like his brothers and sisters, but try as he might he just can’t take to it. Until the day he decides to force himself and something unusual happens. Merino’s gorgeous monoprint illustrations are what make this update on the classic Ugly Duckling tale so special. The woeful expression on the little crocodile’s face, his determined efforts to try swimming in the water and be like everyone else and his ultimate realisation that he’s not like everyone else and that’s his strength – all make for a stand-out story your kids will love. Hooked on Books performed this at my son’s school and he loved the plot so we ordered it from our local library. Well worth the wait!
I always find it interesting to learn about the creative process behind putting a book together. If you’re intrigued read Sharon King-Chai, Senior Designer at Macmillan Children’s Books, analysis of the artwork done for various titles, including this one.
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