This picture book by Kim Norman. Is a creative, imaginative story about a father and son who go down to a lake and the adventures they have for the day. The pictures in the book are colorful and draw in the readers attention. This book would make a great bedtime story or it would be great for teaching about inferences. The children can predict what the child will do next with his “crocodaddy” based on the steady rhyme that is present through the entire story.

Norman, K. (2009). Crocodaddy. New York: Sterling.



9781402744600



Through rhyming couplets, Crocodaddy shares the story who, while visiting a pond hunts and plays with the huge Crocodaddy that lurks in the water. This is a first-time partnership between author Kim Norman and illustrator David Walker. They co-created this light and imaginative story well.



Because of the pleasant and happy expressions on both the young boy and Crocodaddy’s faces, readers know for certain that there is no danger involved. The boy is safe and having fun tussling with the huge Crocodaddy. The illustrations overall are light and fun with good use of color. They also include subtle hints about the identity of the crocodaddy.



This picturebook could also be presented as a slight mystery. Who is that Crocodaddy that the boy must wrestle? But more than that, it’s a good father-son bonding book (although daughters would enjoy it too!) that shows the importance of imagination.





Activities to do with the book:



Crocodaddy would be wonderful for toddlers and as a read aloud for the youngest of children learning to read.



While I’m not certain I’d share this with young kids right before they dive into a pond, this book could be good to help encourage kids to get ready for bath time or a pool party.





Favorite Quotes:



“Down in the pond by a mossy rock,

something slithers past the dock.

Minnows dart with startled jerks—

This is where the Crocodaddy lurks!”



“Fearlessly, I step in front,

captain of the Crocodaddy hunt!”



For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.