Kind Crocodile

A kind crocodile leaves his pond to see the world, in this fresh and playful board book from New York Times Illustrated Book Award winning author Leo Timmers.

Animals are in danger—help, kind crocodile! Here comes a terrified mouse, a frightened hog, an antelope. One by one they find shelter on Crocodile's long back, while his big teeth scare their enemies away. GRRR!

In a fun game of chase, the kind crocodile gives shelter to one animal after another on his long green back, scaring away their pursuers—until the load becomes too heavy and the crocodile doesn't feel so kind anymore, and turns on his friends. GRRRR!

But not for long: “Just kidding!” says Crocodile.

“Not kind!” say the friends.

This funny board book from Leo Timmers features his trademark detailed illustrations full of expression and a satisfying twist ending—will Crocodile gobble up his friends? Of course not, the kind crocodile is just pretending.

Kind Crocodile is a board book to enjoy again and again, with a lively game of chase and a message about teamwork at its heart. A larger format sturdy board book perfect for reading with toddlers and preschoolers who can join in with the fun repetition.

Translated from the Dutch edition by Bill Nagelkerke.

“"Animals under siege solicit a crocodile's help. A mouse running from a snake, a warthog fleeing a hyena, and an antelope escaping a cheetah implore "kind Crocodile" to rescue them. As each would-be victim runs up the croc's snout in terror (eventually forming a tower of animals on its back), said reptile erupts in a fearsome growl, prompting the hapless hunter to skedaddle. All seems well until a lumbering rhino, a fierce lion hot upon its heels, also appeals for assistance. As the rhino climbs on, the other animals catapult onto its back, and the rhino squashes the crocodile, rendering it speechless. A wild series of events ensues, including a welcome comeuppance for the lion and a lot of unjustified self-congratulatory comments among the formerly beleaguered animal supplicants, who seem to have forgotten to thank the crocodile for their rescues. The sly croc gets some of its own back in a teasing manner, though, and all ends on a friendly, albeit flat note; the croc's "joke" may confuse some readers. This tale, a Dutch import by way of New Zealand, is a bit on the thin side, especially on a crowded shelf of funny board books. Still, the humorously expressive illustrations are appealing, as are the prominent appearances of onomatopoeic animal howls incorporated at strategic points throughout. A diverting read on the theme of enough-is-enough but nothing special."--Kirkus Reviews”

"The humorously expressive illustrations are appealing, as are the prominent appearances of onomatopoeic animal howls incorporated at strategic points throughout."

"Humorous, expressive illustrations."

"A diverting reminder that kindness comes in all shapes and sizes—and sometimes requires community."

"Kids will enjoy the buildup as more and more animals look to Crocodile for help...The words are sparse and the message is subtle, but effective."

"Not sure how [Timmers] does this art, but by gum I hope he never stops."

Leo Timmers was born in 1970 in Belgium. At the age of 12 he started to draw comics and later trained in graphic design. He illustrates for magazines and newspapers and has released many successful picture books. He has a large following as one of Belgium’s pre-eminent picture book artists.

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