Kiss the Crocodile

By Author / Illustrator

Sean Taylor, illus Ben Mantle

Genre

Animals

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781406387926

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-02-2019

Synopsis

A story which introduces a brand-new GAME ... a game all little monkeys, tortoises and anteaters will want to play!

Down in the jungle, three best friends - Monkey, Tortoise and Anteater - are playing silly games together. After Stick Splash, Scary Monsters and Silly Dancing, they spy Little Crocodile and his big crocodile mum in the swamp. Do they want to play a new game, Little Crocodile asks ... a DARING game. KISS THE CROCODILE! Who will be brave enough to steal a peck from the 'sleeping' croc, with his big tail, pointy teeth and sharp claws? MWAH!

Brimming over with the thrill of friendship and play, this hilarious new story from the author of Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise demands to be re-enacted, and is the perfect match for the animated, visually-rich artwork of Ben Mantle, illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back.

Reviews

Alice

Kiss the Crocodile is a fun read for young children, introducing them to jeopardy and reminding me of the kinds of playground games - like What's the Time, Mr Wolf - where they love to be scared!

Three friends, Monkey, Anteater and Tortoise have games they love to play, like splashing sticks in the river or doing silly dances. Then they meet young Crocodile and his mother and are introduced to a new game - Kiss the Crocodile - when the friends each take it in turns to kiss the crocodile, trying not to wake him. Monkey seems to be the bravest, but is really the most scared. The tension ratchets up as each of the friends kiss the Croc, who doesn't wake up until the final kiss... (but don't worry, it all ends happily!)

As well as celebrating playground games, this story reminds children not to judge others by how they look - in the end, Crocodile just wants to play - but it's a great introduction to talking about making new friends and giving other children a chance, as well as encouraging them to talk about the kinds of games they like.

Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Alice Bell.