The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water

What begins as an ordinary story of a young hero not fitting in with his peers takes an unexpected and rewarding detour in this debut from London-based author-illustrator Merino. The unnamed crocodile of the title hates being left out when his brothers and sisters swim, dive, and play games in the water, but he hates the water even more. Merino bypasses the obvious trajectory the story could take: while her hero gamely gives the water a chance, swimming with a red flotation ring and attempting a dive in an eight-panel spread ("One, twooo, two and a half, THREEEEE!"), these efforts don't result in instant conversion. Instead, readers discover that his "problem" isn't attitude but biology--there's a good reason this "crocodile" came from a white egg, while his siblings emerged from blue ones. Merino's renderings, using monotype prints and other media, give her hero tons of personality, from his expressive eyes and scraggly teeth to his spindly limbs and tiny wings--wait, wings? This isn't a book to embolden timid swimmers; rather, it celebrates recognizing one's strengths over forcing oneself to fit the mold. Ages 4-8. (May)

K-Gr 2--A little crocodile just can't get too enthused about the water, unlike his siblings, who splash and play in it with abandon. The little guy even uses his tooth fairy money to buy a swim ring. Alas, it is not a helpful solution. Just when he is at his lowest, he feels a sneeze coming on. Lo and behold, out shoots a sizable flame, hilariously setting a diving board on fire. He's actually a dragon! On the following pages, he uses his newly discovered talents to treat his brothers and sisters to a ride in a hot-air balloon and eventually on his winged back. Merino hits it out of the park with delightful artwork that will immediately endear the little dragon to readers and have them giggling cover to cover. She writes with a light, clear hand, letting the illustrations deliver the humor. Readers should look closely for neat little details, adding even more charm to this sweet, funny book about celebrating differences.--Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR