Book Description

Things are just about perfect for Guji Guji and his somewhat unconventional family until the day three bad crocodiles appear. They don't see a family; they see "fat, delicious ducks." They don't see Guji Guji, the biggest and strongest duck in Mother Duck's family, either. "Look at yourself! No feathers, no beak, no big webbed feet! What you have is blue-gray skin, sharp claws, pointed teeth and the smell of bad crocodile. You're just like us."

Poor Guji Guji. What's a crocoduck to do?

An original in his own family, Guji Guji proves to himself and others that family, no matter where or what that family may be, is worth protecting and cherishing. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

an excellent story about overcoming fear
In this Mercer Mayer classic, children are enthralled to find a little boy who insists that there is an alligator living under his bed. My kindergarten students love the child's antics as he tries to catch the alligator. When I teach facts about alligators, I use this book to help the children understand the difference between facts and fantasy. Also, by listing the foods that the child uses for alligator bait in the story, children can make a nice salad. This book gets imagination running and enthusiasm in high gear!

Alligators Rule!!
I've been reading this to children ever since I started teaching preschool back when it came out in 1987. Boy how time flys and I'm still reading this book to each new group of children year after year. This is a story that children say "read it again, read it again!" Even though the writing is simple and great for toddlers to preschoolers, it also keeps the attention of the older children. Mercer Mayer has many other books out and are all worth getting. His style in writing is timeless and the illustrations are enjoyed by young and old. Try using an alligator puppet to extend the story, be silly and have fun with it. Great for language development and keeping us all young at heart. Have fun!

Taming 2's and 3's
Storytime, as you can imaging, in a preschool can be a bit challenging to say the least. If we are have a crazy day, I just pull out "There's An Alligatior Under My Bed" and the classroom goes silent as a room full of preschoolers sit and listen quietly mesmerized by this story. What more can I say. I love this book!

Alligator Problems
Alligator problems dont happen often, but when it did it just happen to be under a little kid's bed, he had no name in the story. I think this is a cute story about responsibility.
Instead of depending on his parent the little kid takes care of it on his own by thinking of a plan. The plan was wise enough, I thought it was humerous how it was some what possible. The little kid maid a trail to the garage and closed the door. What was really cute was the note he left, being concerned about his dad, saying: " Dear Dad There is an alligator in the garage if you need help wake me up."
Personally I thought the whole concept of the plan was lesson learning for a kid, ages maybe 4-8, about problem soving. In and all that was a interesting book.

Theres an Alligator under my Bed
This book is about a boy who has an alligator under his bed and he is the only one who sees it. His parents don't believe him so he has to get it out for himself. So he goes down to the kitchen and gets some Alligator bait and makes a trail from his bed to the Garage and waits for the alligator to come out. He follows him down the stairs and to the garage. When the alligator gets to the garage he hurries up and shuts the door and goes back to bed. But then he realizes what if his dad can't get the car out of the garage because the alligator is in the way. So he leaves his dad a little note telling him that there is an alligator in the garage and if he needs help getting it out to call him.
I like this book because it is cute and funny. I used to love to read this book when I was a little kid in elementary school. I think a lot of kids did well at my school. I also liked this book because it is short and easy for little kids to read. I recommend this for little kids in elementary school. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You may already know an old lady who swallowed a fly, but you're about to meet her chief competition: "a frog on the log in the middle of the bog." Author Karma Wilson (Bear Snores On) teams up with illustrator Joan Rankin in a delightfully bouncy, rhythmic jaunt through the culinary exploits of said frog. Young readers will quickly get the hang of the story, as the amphibious protagonist swallows most of the insect population of a bog. Starting small ("He flicks ONE tick/ as it creeps up a stick"), he quickly works his way up: "ONE tick, TWO fleas, THREE flies (Oh my!),/ FOUR slugs (Ew, ugh!) in the belly of the frog/ on a half-sunk log/ in the middle of the bog." As the greedy frog’s belly grows, we are treated to a hilarious view of the claustrophobic quarters within. Is there any hope for these hapless bugs, or are they destined for digestion? Rankin’s watercolors are both beautiful and comical, appealing to readers of all ages. Highly recommended! (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A book we love...
This is one of those books that has everything going for it: great illustrations, a captivating story, and rhyming verses that are very pleasing to read aloud. The illustrations are particularly charming, done in soft watercolors with imaginative detail. The bog itself is a carnival of color where harlequin fleas romp among snails with candy-striped shells. The story, about a gluttonous frog and the creatures that wind up in his belly, is witty and entertaining throughout. The ending has a cute surprise and a happy resolution for all. Truly fun to read, this book is the perfect length for a bedtime story (or two, or three!) My 3 year-old loves it, and I do, too. Really well done.

Wonderful story - beautiful illustrations
This is a very fun read! The rhyme has such a flow and pattern that's enjoyable to say and hear - it just rolls off your tongue. The illustrations are superb - the size of the pages and their images fill your vision with a multitude of wonderful colors, and the characters are adorable. And it's funny to boot! This has become one of the favorites in my house. Beautifully done!

A Wonderful book for young children
I first encountered this book at a local children's bookstore when it was read during story time. My 2-1/2 year old son loves this book. It is written in a wonderful "sing-song" style, which keeps my son's attention. The illustrations are really beautiful too. A wonderful book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lyle the crocodile lives in a house on East 88th Street in New York City. He likes it there, and his hosts, the Primms, like having him around--he helps young Joshua with his homework, jumps-rope with the neighborhood kids, and browses through antique shops with Mrs. Primm. Much to the affable reptile's dismay, however, he makes his neighbor's cat Loretta crazy, which in turn makes Mr. Grumps, Loretta's owner, even crazier. One day, Mrs. Primm and Lyle are shopping, when Lyle--through no real fault of his own--ends up infuriating department-store bigwig Mr. Grumps who turns red and blue and purple with rage. This unfortunate eruption lands the rollicking reptile in the Central Park zoo where Lyle fights back his crocodile tears. In an elaborate sequence of events, Lyle finds himself back with the Primms on East 88th Street, a neighborhood hero, and, startlingly, even a friend of the mistrustful cat Loretta. Bernard Waber--creator of The House on East 88th Street--charms young readers again with this endearing, whimsical 1965 classic, perfectly complemented by his simple, sketchy, comical illustrations. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Book to Remember
I am now 21 years old and I can still remember the opening line to this tape. The Lyle books are wonderful for children and this tape is a great way to put your child to sleep. The Lyle books are truly one of my greatest childhood memories!

A crocodile just as sweet as Pogo's Albert the Alligator
A picture book with more backstory than you could possibly imagine. For many, the delightful "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" is a perennial favorite. I, myself, had never read it before. When first we see Lyle, he's standing in the center of Central Park (this is most definitely a New York based book) feeding the ducks. Occupying a swank apartment (you should see his bathroom!) with the Primm family, Lyle is everyone's favorite crocodile. He's polite, helpful, and wonderful at double dutch. The ever dour Mr. Grumps next door has problems with the beloved Lyle. Mr. Grumps continually threatens to send Lyle away, but it isn't until an unfortunate department store incident that Mr. Grumps makes good his threats. In the end, however, all turns out for the best and Lyle is reunited with his loving family.

There's a certain amount of suspension of disbelief involved in this tale. Apparently it is not a particularly odd thing to live with a crocodile. I was especially taken with Mrs. Primm's relationship with the lovely reptile. The two do their shopping together and take a turn about the ice skating rink. (...) Mr. Grumps refuses to even speak with Lyle until a fortunate accident towards the book's finale. And in the end, it's just a lovely book. The writing is superb. The illustrations adorable and evocative all at once. The book has CLASSIC writ large all over it. If you've any wit or intelligence about you (and you wish to pass such virtues onto your darling children) pick up the wonderful "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" immediately.

You have to read tis book - school project / Mr. Boon
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber is a really good book. It's about a crocodile that lives on East 88th street with Mr. and Mrs. Primm and ther son Joshua. He helps them out with many things and is very loved. There is a man named Mr. Grumps that lives two houses down. He has a pet cat named Loretta and Lyle always tries to get her to like him because she seems so scared at the sight of him. Mr. Grumps thinks that Lyle's causing problems so he gets papers authorizing Lyle to be sent to the city zoo. While Lyle is in the zoo he is rescued by Signor Valenti. He takes him to visit his house on East 88th street. While there, he notices that Mr. Grumps' house is on fire. He rescues him and Loretta and then everyone is happy again because everything is put back together.
I think this is a book for children that are already quite a bit into the reading process. There are some pretty big words. Other than that, I think this book is very well put together and that alot of you out there will enjoy it very much. I highly recamend that you read this book with your children. "With", meaning that they defiently need a chance to have fun with it also. This book is highly recamended by me.

good for children
this series is good for young people. give it a try!

Absolutely Adorable........
..............kids are guaranteed to love Lyle and his adventures! They will also learn from this story how to overcome misfortune, difficult situations and about the perils of pre-judging others as they watch Lyle become a hero. Set in Manhattan, NY, Lyle is loved by his human family, but greatly feared by a neighbor and his timid cat. This ultimately lands him in trouble (and in the city zoo) despite his best efforts to make friends with the little cat. In the end though, Lyle proves his good nature by performing a heroic deed that wins over absolutely everyone, including the little cat. Kids will respond to Lyle's persistence, his goodness and his incredible bravery.

This book is written on approximately a second grade reading level. Young readers will enjoy the language in this book, its climb to a climax and its victorious ending. Additionally, the illustrations are lovely in their simplicity. Kids will get a kick out of Lyle! ... Read more

Book Description

In the Spice Islands, where clove and nutmeg trees grow,
a girl named Damura lived long ago.

Damura is a beautiful girl, as kind and lovely as the little green parrot that perches on the nutmeg tree. But Damura's stepmother and stepsister mistreat her. They force her to rise before dawn, carry out all the chores, and sleep on the floor. One day, while down by the river, Damura calls out to the creatures of the wild for help. Rising from the waters, an ancient crocodile answers the call. This unusual fairy godmother, aptly named Grandmother Crocodile, outfits Damura in a sarong of gold, with slippers to match, and sends her to the palace to dance for the prince. Once he sees her, the prince knows that she will be his bride.

But the fairy tale isn't quite over. Damura's wicked stepmother and stepsister are so jealous that they push Damura into the river, where she is swallowed by a crocodile. Too bad they didn't know about Grandmother Crocodile....

The Gift of the Crocodile, a tale from the Spice Islands in Indonesia, offers a colorful and dramatic twist on the universally adored Cinderella story. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Spice
This Indonesian version of Cinderella hails from the Moluccas, or Spice Islands--the place to which Christopher Columbus was headed when he found the New World. In 1492 they were the only place in the world where cloves grew. The earliest written version of Cinderella is from China. As the author indicates in the afterward, no one knows where the story originated. But she speculates that Cinderella may have traveled West with the spices.

Damura was a child when her mother taught her to light a fire, cook, and to tend and harvest rice. But she still loved dolls when her mother died. The lorikeet and little green parrot outside in the nutmeg tree were not company enough for her. With a new doll, a neighboring widow bribed Damura into convincing her father to marry her. Her stepmother's two daughters were kind at first, but soon made Damura their servant. She cried at night that she had traded her happiness for a doll.

One day as she washed the family's clothes, she lost her sarong in the river. She called to the creatures of the wild for help, and a crocodile appeared. "Good morning Grandmother," she said to the crocodile.

The crocodile gave Damura her baby to care for, and returned with a silver sarong that sparkled like the night sky. She told Damura to take it and come to the river again if she ever needed anything.

Her stepsisters were naturally jealous of the sarong. But when they tried to entice the crocodile to help them, she saw through their façade. A year later, the village buzzed with excitement as the prince planned to hold a dance to choose his bride. Damura asked her stepmother if she might go, wearing her silver sarong. Of course her stepmother refused her.

The rest of this tale is very similar to that of Cinderella. But to find the unique ways in which it sparkles, you'll have to read this book. Alyssa A. Lappen

A fresh new spin on the cinderella stry
I Have never read such an interesting version of the cinderella story, i recomend that every one with children or who know those who have them buy this book and save it. It will provide pleasure to generations to come ... Read more

Amazon.com

Old Monsieur Gator is very slow. He moves "slower than saw grassgrows" and "slower than a snail with sore feet." He can no longer catch any ofhis tasty fellow bayou creatures to eat, "And--oh ho!--themcritters sure know it." The possum, skunk, and otter taunt him, wigglingand sashaying just out of his reach. Finally, Gator gets hot (red hot)and hatches a crafty plan--he will make gumbo. When he asks who willhelp him, Little Red Hen-style, the creatures don't say "Not I," but "Iain't," (a reply more fitting for a Louisiana bayou). But when Gatorfinishes his okra and crawdad soup, and asks "Who' gonna help eat it?"the chorus chimes "Me! Me!" Gator agrees to let the otter, skunk,and possum take a sip, but when they lean over the pot, slurping andslipping, "Them animals go into the pot." A harsh fate for Gator's sassytormenters? Perhaps, but revenge is downright tasty for Monsieur Gator.

If all this bayou cooking (albeit with characters from the book asingredients) gets your mouth a-watering, a recipe for "Maman's Spicy-HotGumbo" adorns the back cover of the book. Sally Anne Lambert (of Barkus, Sly and the GoldenEgg captures the expressions of the tortured old gator and thetaunting bullies with great skill, and her use of color and compositionis no less than exquisite. A spicy-hot read-aloud, straight from thebayou. (Ages 5 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Creole Little Red Hen
This is a delightful Creole version of the Little Red Hen. Possum, Skunk, and Otter all pick on old gator. Gator, sick of eating vegetables, comes up with a plan to make some good old fashioned gumbo. The ending, which will be obvious to most adults, will delight and surprise younger children. The mixed medium illustrations accompany this charming story. ... Read more

Book Description

Liza Poole lives with her mother in one of the last balanced ecosystems in North America -- the Gumbo Limbo Hammock deep within the lush kingdom of the Florida Everglades. Some may think it strange to live outdoors, but Liza feels lucky to live it strange to live outdoors, but Liza feels lucky to live in her small yellow tent amidst tropical birds and exotic plants. And at the center of this natural paradise lies Dajun, the majestic alligator who protects Gumbo Limbo's environment.

Then, one day, a state official arrives with frightening orders. Dajun is scaring people nearby -- he must be killed! Liza takes action to save the invaluable 'gator, but suddenly, he is nowhere to be found. Now, she must find Dajun before it's too late, and her search will lead her into the heart of an exciting eco mystery!

Reviews (8)

The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo
I have just finish reading a book call The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo. It's about a family who don't have a house yet, because they don't have enough money to build a house. The father was in another country, doing business around the world. He doesn't even know what's happening to his family. Many people say that they don't have house. Well they are, but the mother says that they were on a vacation. She always said that every time because she doesn't want people to know it. So now, their daughter named Liza K., is an adventures girl. She knows all the places in the forest. She even has an alligator friend. Now, she and her friends must save the forest from the people who want to destroy, but then, her alligator friend lost. Now, she's on an adventure to find the alligator and stop the destruction of the forest.

I think this book is good because it tells everybody how important the forest is to us. If we don't have a forest, then how can we live? How can we stay a life without oxygen? Where the oxygen come from? Oh well I think you know where it is. So this book, did, teach us something.

I recommended this book who loves to safe this world.

The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo
My story was about a missing gator. Travis is a gator hunter who is trying to shoot the gator. The gator is too big for the protection law. All the characters except Travis are trying to protect him. The main characters are Dujen, Travis, Liza K., and James James. Because he is a smart young man, James James is my favorite character. In my own life I try to be good and kind to others. James James is like this, he is always considerate and thoughtful.
I liked my book. I don't have a single favorite part; My least favorite part is the authors choice of where the characters lived at the end of book. My favorite part was that Travis didn't find Dujen.
I would recomend this book to a person who likes mysteries.

could've been better
I thoguht this book was OK but could've been better. It has an exiting plot wiht a hunter trying to hunt the gator[dajun] but the ending is so typical. They end up finding...oops I shouldn't give away the story...but the book's ending is not as fun as it could've been. But if you love animals and a good mystery you should definitly read this book.

A greater gator story
This fascinating novel is for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a wild place, with a wild animal, or who is concerned about our jeopardized natural world. Only Jean Craighead George could write such a comprehensible and informative children's book about nature. While they're not JULIE OF THE WOLVES or MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, Ms. George's Ecological Mysteries Series are sure to be enjoyable for any naturalist--inspiring and educational. In THE MISSING 'GATOR OF GUMBO LIMBO, Liza K. Poole lives with her mother and some eccentric neighbors in the heart of the Florida Everglades. (Anyone who was born to live in a tent and fish for food will be envious of this "wild" lifestyle.) When the woods peoples' "dragon", a regal alligator, disappears, they begin to try to track down the great beast, especially Liza K. A ranger is after the gator, for he has been frightening nearby home-dwellers, and should be shot. Liza K. and her unique friends--including a talkative African gray parrot-- go through a series of clues to find out where the gator has disappeared to. The ending, I admit, is slightly disappointing--the threat of the ranger seems to be forgotten after the gator is found, Liza K. and her neighbors must abandon their way of life--but all in all, it's a fine read. The other Eco-Mysteries should be kept in mind--WHO REALLY KILLED COCK ROBIN?, in which a boy tries to solve the mystery of his clean town's feathered mascot; THE CASE OF THE MISSING CUTTHROATS, quite a lot like THE MISSING 'GATOR; and THE FIRE BUG CONNECTION. No young naturalist or ecologist should overlook the wide, wonderful world of Jean Craighead George.

OK
I read this book in my class and it took me forever to finish it. I am a big reader but I just couldn't get into the book. I think it should have been more exciting. In my opinion, it seemed as if the author kept repeating the same information. ... Read more

Amazon.com

That wily Wallace! Where has he gone this time? The funny littleorange-furred orangutan is always surrounded by friends at the zoo. But timeafter time Wallace's wanderlust drives him to escape from his comfortableday-to-day existence with his friend the zookeeper--to a department store, tothe circus, to a baseball game, to the beach. The zookeeper is not as disturbedas you might imagine by Wallace's repeated breakouts. In fact, one mightalmost think he plants the ideas in Wallace's head himself... After all,every time Wallace disappears, it's up to the zookeeper to find him, even ifthat means spending an hour or two at an amusement park or the nature museum.

For over 35 years, readers of all ages have gleefully searched these pages forthe mischievous ape. Hilary Knight, well-loved illustrator of the Eloise series,among many other picture books, created a classic with Where's Wallace?.Each of nine intricately detailed panoramic pictures is packed with lively,humorous activity, making the search for Wallace a delightful challenge. Forthose who pride themselves on having found the orange fellow on every spread,the book ups the ante. See if you can find the six additional charactersaccompanying Wallace on every adventure, including a cello player, a jogger, andan old woman who manages to keep knitting in the most unusual places! (Ages 4 to7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Better than "Where's Waldo", a shame it's out of print.
As the predecesor to "Where's Waldo", this book is fun, lively and just plain great to look at. The story of a little orangutan who wonders about life outside the zoo is a visual treat. Wallace loves his life in the zoo but takes every opportunity to visit places like the beach, a ballgame, a department store and other exciting places. In each picture, Wallace must be found; for those truly observant readers, a host of other characters appear in each picture as well. Would love to find this book for my children as I loved it as a child. A shame it's out of print, one can always hope.

What's better than pen and ink Hilary Knight? Full color
Being the big Hilary Knight fan, I was happy to see that this book has been reprinted for those of us who were not around the first time it came out. Yay! The artwork in this book is classic Knight, and the story is fun and engaging (and predates Where's Waldo by almost three decades.) I am thrileld to see Knight finally getting his due, and I sure wouldn't mind seeing a sequel to this book either.. hint hint. Wallace is actually more innocent and likable than Eloise, so not even the reader is too frustrated that he keeps escaping. After all, with the world that Knight has created, how could we not want to get out and explore as well?

The pictures alone are fun to look at. Kids will enjoy spending time looking at the pictures (well, I did too...)

I am thrilled to share this with my children
This was a favorite of mine as a child. I am so pleased to be able to get them their own copies.(mine is a bit tattered) They love finding Wallace and all of his friends over and over again. This book just stands up to the test of time. We read it every night.

Revisiting my childhood
One of my absolute favorite books from childhood, "Where's Wallace" still does not disappoint. Both youngsters and adults will find themselves glued to the pages as they attempt to identify the whereabouts of a multitude of characters which appear in various scenes throughout the book. Hilary Knight's illustrations are fabulously humorous and clever - a perpetual joy to read that never gets dull!

Will provide hours, days and years of entertainment!
This is my absolute favorite book from my childhood. I remember my parents reading it to me. I remember reading it myself, searching through the pages to find Wallace and all of the other characters. I am so glad that they have re-issued it, as it was out of print for a while. When I re-read this as an adult, I realized that the zookeeper was actually "letting" Wallace escape. There is so much humor that I missed as a child. Looking through the scenes to find the characters and following the evolution of their stories is fun for both child and adult. Even if your child can't read the words on her own, she can look at the pictures and try to find everyone. And if you do have to read it to her over and over, you will not be bored to tears. ... Read more

Book Description

The first book in the Lyle series, this tells the story of how the Primms found Lyle the crocodile in the bathtub of their new home. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A charming children's classic
I first read Bernard Waber's The House on East 88th Street as a child and was capitivated by Lyle the Crocodile. How I loved this story about a bright green crocodile living in a bathtub in a New York City brownstone.Though frightened at first, the Primm family is won over by their housemate. Lyle is amazing, he takes out the trash, brings in the milk, (this book was first published in 1962!)helps around the house, and loves a nice, hot bath complete with Turkish caviar! (We could all use a Lyle) The story of Lyle does not end here; Waber went on to write seven more titles about this lovable creature. Out of all the Lyle books, this is his best-known. This charming children's classic is suitable for small children between the ages of four and eight.

A great series
When I got pregnant with my son, my mother sent a box of old books she had saved from my childhood. The House in East 88th Street and Lyle and the Birthday Party were in the box. These two books have become favorites of my son as well as my husband and I. I'm glad to see that they are still in print, as I plan to purchase a few more from the series.

The magical world of Lyle
The story of Lyle the crocodile who is discovered in the bathtub when Joshua and his family move into their new home. My mother first read this book to me when I was four years old. I am now 35! It is a truly wonderful childrens book. One of those that lingers in your memory as a world you inhabited as a child. Myself and my sisters adored the Lyle books and we are now buying them for our families. Endearing, amusing, full of the joys and sadnesses of life. Lyle is a childs world through a crocodiles eyes. Try them all. You and your children (of all ages) will love them!.

A childhood favorite
I had a copy of this book when I was a child, and it was one of my favorites. It is a delight in every way, from its whimsical illustrations to its gently humorous treatment of a family who just happen to find a crocodile in the bathtub of their new home. I highly recommend this book to any parent with children, or any adults who wish they had children. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautifully illustrated; tender story for one's imagination!
This tender story about Ernst and his brother Sol touches the hearts of everyone. Our favorite birthday gift! It teaches us to respect the uniqueness in each of us. The incredible illustrations capture the imagination of young and old. We love reading this story over and over again.

An important message delivered via beautiful,appropriate art
Ms. Kleven shows her readers the beauty in the world around us, the many things we can enjoy which don't cost money or require collecting objects. Her message is important and her art is fanciful and gorgeous.

our family loved this book
I think this is a great book for kids about imagination and about "doing your own thing". The illustrations are absolutely wonderful - you discover something new everytime you read it. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

When Bridget the alligator arrives in the mail, she's only the size of a key chain! But after Zack soaks her in water, she grows into a real live alligator. Bridget wrestles the garden hose and swings from the monkey bars. And what other alligator can do cartwheels?

Reviews (1)

Fun for readers of all ages
This book is a delight -- it is a great book for emergent readers, but it is more fun to read out loud. Zack's alligator has attitude -- and the giggles from my daughter made it a book we had to add to her personal library. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (10)

Grown-ups will love it, kids love it more!!
When we borrowed this from the library, we read it several times per day, and my kids were begging to keep it when it was time to return it. Now we have to buy a copy for ourselves, plus one for a gift. The rhymes are better than clever--maybe even brilliant! With the catchy rhythm, this was easily the most fun book I've ever read with my kids. My four-year-old daughter was soon reading it to her brother, with the help of the fantastic illustrations. All in all, a very fun book that will thrill young and old!

Counting Crockodiles
Counting Crockodiles is a great book. My 3 year old loves it. It is his favorite book. We read it EVERY night before bed. The pictures are colorful and the animals keep his attention. He likes that the words rhyme. He looks at it so much I am ready for another copy.

Interesting Things Happen in the Sillabobble Sea!
As a mother of a 3 year old daughter and an early childhood educator, this is probably my most favorite book available.

The story revolves around a monkey who spies a banana tree on an island across the way and tricks the crocodiles into making a bridge for him to go over and retrieve some bananas. Each page is very colorfully illustrated and is told in a very catchy poetic form. Through the story you count crocodiles from one to ten and back again. The book is short but puts a smile on your face all the way through.

This story is excellent for teaching values, sequence in stories and in counting, and is a great introduction to crocodiles. A huge fan of The Crocodile Hunter, my daughter finds this story entertaining, and is one of the only stories she asks me to read over and over. It's nice because this is one of the only stories I like reading over and over!

An Instant Hit!
This was an instant hit with my 2 and 1/2 year old nephew. He loved the "eyes" in the water in the illustrations at first reading of the book. Then he pointed out more and more things on each page that he noticed as it was read. Wonderful illustrations on each page. And I loved the message of outwitting the crocodiles! Very neat book.

One of our favorite books!
We LOVE this book! We have read it over and over again. My daughter (age 4) can't get enough of it. I read it to my niece and now she has her own copy and asks to have it read nearly every day. We bought a copy for our preschool teacher and she reads it to her classes. The rhymes are fun for the kids to hear (and the reader to read!) and there are never ending surprises in the illustrations. We've been reading this book for a year now and it isn't old yet! ... Read more

Book Description

Day after day, brand new ducks roll off a giant assembly line operated by alligators at the Colossal Duck Factory. They are loaded into trucks and taken to Ducktown, where they are fattened up in preparation for their final destination-into the stomachs of alligators. Everything proceeds smoothly, until the day one of the alligators decides to take a wayward duck home. Over time, the alligator grows fond of his future dinner. Can a duck and an alligator really be friends in an alligator-eat-duck world? Find out in this charming and humorous friendship story.

"Funny and poignant."-Children's Literature

"This appealing book with its cast of near-irresistible ducks and only mildly menacing alligators is sure to please young readers. Bedard's sprightly illustrations make the work seem like an animated cartoon between picture book covers."
-Parents' Choice ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A wonderful book for children... and adults!
I agree that this book was written for adults as well as children. After seeing this in a local bookstore, I bought it, with the intention of putting it on my desk where I work.

The story, in unambiguous terms, is about how an alligator befriends a helpless duck in a large New York-like metroplis populated by alligators. It is wonderfully illustrated, and the takeoff on Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" is almost worth the price of the book alone.

It's too bad that the book did not include a few paragraphs from the author which could have shared some of his ideas and experiences in producing "Sitting Ducks". The craftsmanship that went into the making of this book must have been very time-consuming.

As a children's book, "Sitting Ducks" is truly a gem. Scholastic Press is to be commended for the publication of this creative effort.

Not just for kiddies
This is a wonderfully off-kilter kids' book that's not just for the diaper set. I gave it to my best friend as a gift, but it gets an airing whenever he substitute teaches at an elementary school. He's read it to his "kids" so often that they call him the "Sitting Ducks Man" now. Definitely a cute comment on friendship at any age.

Parents will love it.
While studying to become a teacher my professor had a pre-release copy of this book that he read to us adults. It felt like I was back in primary school in London (except for the snotty nose and need to use the bathroom) because I was enthralled with a picture book again. I got hold of a copy recently and my three year old asks for it every night. I of course throw a Kipper book at him, throw myself into bed, and look at the excellent pictures until I fall asleep.

Delightful Ducks
I fell in love with the art work immediately. The animals in this book do not fall in the "cartoon" range, but take on lives of their own. The story is a little long for a young child, but anyone would treasure this unique story with it's humor and charm.

Phenomenal book :)
The adorable ducks on the cover of "Sitting Ducks" caught my attention when I was perusing a local book store and I proceeded to sit down and finish the book right there. The enthralling story of the bond that forms between the duck and alligator completely made my day. The pictures themselves are worth the [$], my personal favorite was looking at all of the ducks' expressions as they work out. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to brighten their day with a great children's book. ... Read more

Book Description

Bridget, the sassy gator from the Glades, returns for more high-energy fun in this sequel to Zack's Alligator. Zack takes Bridget to school for show-and-tell, where she sings, skateboards, and generally turns the classroom upside down. For Zack's class, show-and-tell will never be the same!

... Read more

Book Description

A young boy meets a hungry alligator. Throw in mistaken identity and a pair of stinky socks, and you have all the fun and surprise of the fabulous new picture book Suddenly Alligator. In his usual engaging way, author Rick Walton tells an entertaining story while also teaching language arts concepts to children. A great addition to Walton's line of language arts picture books, Suddenly Alligator is a rollicking little tale. With the superb illustrations and creative vision of Jim Bradshaw, this is a book you won't want to miss!

Rick Walton is the author of dozens of books for kids, including his popular books introducing language arts concepts: Once There Was a Bullfrog (which teaches adjectives, comparatives, and superlatives), Why the Banana Split (which teaches synonyms and idioms) and Herd of Cows Flock of Sheep (which teaches collective nouns).He often plays the guitar happily. Rick and his family live in Provo, Utah.Since graduating from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, in 1980, Jim Bradshaw has worked as a graphic designer and art director during the day and as a humorous illustrator in his "other" life. Jim is married and has three children; they live in rural South New Jersey with their two cats. ... Read more

Book Description

Newly hatched Little Crocodile doesn’t know his mommy. So, he begins a quest through the jungle to find her. First he encounters a monkey and asks, “Are you my mommy?” But Little Crocodile can’t do the things a monkey can, so he keeps walking on. He then asks an elephant. But Little Crocodile can’t do the things an elephant can do either. Finally after meeting other animals of the jungle, he comes across Zebra who offers to help him in his search. Zebra carries Little Crocodile to the river where he discovers that he can splash in the water just like all the other crocodiles do! But best of all he can “Snap!” just like his Mommy! ... Read more

Book Description

Mrs. Primm fears Lyle the crocodile is terribly sick, when in reality he's just "green" over Joshua's birthday party. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A child's world through a crocodile's eyes
Anyone who has ever had a birthday party as a child will be swept back to the excitement, the fears and the adventure of their first parties through the eyes of Lyle the Crocodile. Endearing and touching, any child (or adult) will lose themselves in this book. I write from memory-my mother read the Lyle books to me when I was four years old and they have stayed alive for me ever since. My sisters and myself are now buying them for our families. ... Read more