Review by Booklist Review
It's difficult for Croc to make friends when the other animals are afraid of her huge mouth and sharp teeth. The energetic reptile attempts to coax the other critters into being friendly by surprising them with knitted gifts. She carries her "I [Heart] Knitting" tote bag around with her, but her underwater cave is filled with creations that have been rejected by other animals who are wary of her. Croc's mother, father, and grandfather don't think young Croc should be concerned about making friends (her mother believes they're simply food!), but she feels differently and is sad that she's unable to share her fun side and many talents with the other savanna animals. It takes a while, but she slowly builds trust among the creatures (with the help of her bird sidekick), and a new, friendlier community is established. Humorous illustrations include Croc's mother teaching "crocercise" classes to music and her father sitting in a bathtub filled with mud. Very young readers will be pleased with Croc's new group of friends.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The narrating protagonist of this energetic picture book is a generous young crocodile with prodigious talents in crafts, performance, and more. So why can't this multi-hyphenate reptile make any friends? The croc is trying to befriend their natural prey. Toro makes the protag enormously sweet and sympathetic: "It can be very lonely when the world doesn't see who you are deep down," they sigh, a relatable emotional truth that hits especially hard when even their own family proves dismissive ("Who cares what those other animals think? They're food," the young croc's mother replies). But when a fire drives all the animals to the water's edge, the eager croc seizes the moment, building a bridge to an island refuge and throwing a joyous party where no one is on the menu. Authenticity and connection can often seem at odds even without food-chain dynamics at play, but these pages reconcile the concepts via an abundance of empathy and comedy, all portrayed in thick-lined cartooning that favors blues, greens, and purples. Ages 4--8. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Toddler-Gr 2--Toro's picture book, featuring a crocodile, imparts the message that looks can be deceiving. Crocodile longs to make friends with the monkeys, giraffes, and other animals living in the African savannah--but any time they see him coming, they run away, leaving him sad and lonely. No one seems to recognize that he is not like other crocodiles; he is sensitive and creative. Even though his parents tell him his attempts at making friends are pointless, he is certain that he could succeed if the others would only get to know him beyond his rough crocodile exterior. On every page, the animals are captivating, expressing emotions through their facial expressions and body language. The African savannah comes alive through mixed media watercolor and ink images of vivid pinks, blues, and muted pastels. VERDICT This meaningful story is appropriate for young readers collections where lessons in acceptance and tolerance are desired.--Misty Schattle
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A creative, friendly crocodile just wants a chance to show the world who she is deep down. Croc's life underwater is rich with hobbies and interests: dancing ballet, playing the guitar, and knitting. But when she tries to befriend the other animals, they flee in terror; all they see is an ominous pair of eyes peeking above the water. That is, until a fire forces them to the water's edge. The crocodile knits them a bridge to safety and, along the way, shows off her hidden talents and finds friends at last. Toro's cartoon illustrations pair beautifully with his text. Unlike the frightened giraffes, antelopes, and monkeys, readers see what's happening both above and below the surface--an inspired choice that will help them empathize with both the sweetly oblivious crocodile and the animals giving her a wide berth. The entire setting is well realized, with fantastic details such as Croc's mother sporting a pink tank top while exercising with other reptilians and Croc's father reading a newspaper (theSavanna Sentinel) while soaking in a mud bath. At the heart of this clever tale is a vital message: Don't be so quick to judge, and take a cue from Croc's friends, who learn a great deal when they look beneath the surface. Meaningful storytelling through a deft marriage of text and illustration.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
