Doris' Dear Delinquents

Newcomer Ward sets the stage with a single, inviting sentence: "One fine day in her modest little home on the river, Doris the Gharial crocodile became the proud mother of 26 hatchlings." Ward's portrait of Doris reveals a toothy snout; glittery golden eyes; and a possibly menacing look that's tempered by a modest gray dress with a lace collar and a flowered sun hat. Her baby crocodiles crawl all over her, and their misdeeds as "they became harder to look after" are gleefully cataloged in abecedarian form, with their names and their actions starting with the appropriate letter: "Avery ate the goldfish" attends an illustration of a fish trapped lightly between the besweatered youth's teeth. "Bella bit mom" show's the child gnawing on one of Doris's clawed fingers. The misdeeds are short and punchy ("Ivy said 'Icky!' ") and true to life ("Lucas lacked his clothes"). Ward works in a subtle, grayed-out palette that, along with the repeating forms of the crocodiles, gives the spreads a restrained elegance. An alphabet book with just the right amount of toothy mayhem. Ages 4-10. (Nov.)

Silver medal winner of the 2020 Key Colors Illustrators Competition!

Newcomer Ward sets the stage with a single, inviting sentence: "One fine day in her modest little home on the river, Doris the Gharial crocodile became the proud mother of 26 hatchlings." Ward's portrait of Doris reveals a toothy snout; glittery golden eyes; and a possibly menacing look that's tempered by a modest gray dress with a lace collar and a flowered sun hat. Her baby crocodiles crawl all over her, and their misdeeds as "they became harder to look after" are gleefully cataloged in abecedarian form, with their names and their actions starting with the appropriate letter: "Avery ate the goldfish" attends an illustration of a fish trapped lightly between the besweatered youth's teeth. "Bella bit mom" show's the child gnawing on one of Doris's clawed fingers. The misdeeds are short and punchy ("Ivy said 'Icky!' ") and true to life ("Lucas lacked his clothes"). Ward works in a subtle, grayed-out palette that, along with the repeating forms of the crocodiles, gives the spreads a restrained elegance. An alphabet book with just the right amount of toothy mayhem. - Publishers Weekly

This is a very cute, gorgeously illustrated abecedarius narrative, and it's got just the right blend of earnestness and humor, to my mind. I did think the end was slightly abrupt, but it's still a fabulous read for little ones and those who might need to read to them. - Page 1 Books

This is a fun ABC book for children. Not all of the letters/baby alligators are given something interesting, but the book is very good with excellent illustrations too. - Fort York Library

Doris' Dear Delinquents is a book about a huge family of crocodiles who get up to no good. This book was so unbelievably cute. The illustrations were amazing, they made this book what it is. Lucas was my favorite. Also, it's a great way to help teach kids the alphabet. I totally recommend this book. - Gilbert Public Schools