Crocodile Hungry

PreS-K--This deceptively simple book will delight readers of all ages. It succeeds so well because the author creates a character and story line that run counter to all expectations. The main character is a hungry crocodile, and readers will expect him to be ruthless to satisfy his hunger. They won't expect a crocodile who is completely clueless. When the crocodile sets off in search of food at a nearby refrigerator, a farmer's market, and a community garden, he has no idea that his very presence will lead to panic. He is shocked that he ruins the farmer's market, and everyone leaves screaming. He can't fathom why his "acrobatic feat" to reach the grocery store cart is met with screams rather than applause. Young readers will giggle each time the crocodile fails to get something he wants to eat. The bright green and pink illustrations, which will remind readers of the loose-lined cartoons of Sandra Boynton, are a perfect match for the text, capturing the crocodile's emotions through adjustments to the eyes and eyebrows and alterations in just how many of crocodile's gleaming, deadly teeth are showing. Like the text, the illustrations keep readers guessing as to what the crocodile will actually eat until the final page. VERDICT Giggles guaranteed in this hilarious easy reader; a nice piece of overturned expectations, sure to delight.--Sally James