Crocodile Smile: 10 Songs of the Earth as the Animals See [Hardcover]

Sarah Weeks (Author), Lois Ehlert (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 1994

Ten songs, each from a different endangered animal's point of view, offer a stunning anthem to our planet and its inhabitants.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4-This unique picture-book and tape set provides a fresh look at the Earth from the perspective of some of its most important inhabitants, endangered animals. The lyrics for each of the 10 songs are printed in the book along with a portrait of the featured animal, creating a gallery effect. With a tone more heartfelt than preachy, the songs celebrate our planet while offering a gentle environmental message. The language is simple, poetic, and rhythmic. The first song describes the jungle as "Home to cheetah/Home to bat/Home to human wearing hat/Monkey and machete swing high/Under same blue sky." In "Pretty Tree," a guileless giant panda wonders at the funny sound "(chop! chop!)" that shakes the ground beneath his bamboo tree. Some of the selections are a little lighter in tone. In "I've Never Eaten a Princess," a Komodo dragon complains about the negative image perpetuated by fairy tales, and a great egret declares with great dignity, "I am not a hat." Weeks's crystal-clear voice is pleasant to listen to and the catchy tunes have a nice variety of tempos and styles. While younger listeners will find the music appealing, the lyrics are sophisticated enough to interest older children. Ehlert's brightly colored-collage illustrations are breathtaking. Presented against a clean background of brilliant orange and deep green, the simply constructed images capture the essence of each animal. A Galapagos tortoise lumbers slowly across the page on huge, knobbed, green legs, and a green-eyed tiger shows off his stunning coat of stripes. Although the songs could be read aloud, this invitingly innovative look and listen at planet Earth works best as a package.
Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4-7. Written from the points of view of endangered and extinct animals, Weeks' songs express a variety of thoughts, from the Komodo dragon's protest that he would never dream of eating a princess ("Surely her crown / Would get caught going down / And all of that taffeta--ick") to the dinosaur's lament ("Nothing left of me but a bunch of bones / That some museum in Cleveland owns") to the idea of Earth as a spinning top ("It's a perfect spinning circle / Balanced on a pin / Don't touch it, don't touch it / Let it spin"). Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, the songs succeed in entertaining listeners as well as persuading them to think more sympathetically of the animals' points of view. Although the tunes would be difficult for children to sing aloud, Weeks' lilting voice on the cassette tape that accompanies the book may inspire them to try. Ehlert's bold colors, distinctive collages, and sure sense of design make this a visually dynamic book for sharing with a classroom full of children. Consider multiple copies, since teacher demand for this effective book/cassette kit could skyrocket around Earth Day. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; Har/Cas edition (September 3, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060228679
• ISBN-13: 978-0060228675
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,767,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sarah Weeks is the author of Oggie Cooder, So B. It, Jumping the Scratch, and the Guy series. She lives in New York City, where she practices charving at least once a fortnight.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than my son..., April 3, 2000

By 

Suzanne Perkins (Northampton, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crocodile Smile: 10 Songs of the Earth as the Animals See (Hardcover)

My mother bought Crocodile Smile for my son when he was one. Heloves it and is always asking for "the blue tape," but I'mthe one who can't stop humming it. It is the most interesting children's music that we own (both music and lyrics). I'm buying it for gifts for others. END

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is warm and wonderful!, November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Crocodile Smile: 10 Songs of the Earth as the Animals See (Hardcover)

The songs are fun for the kids, however they are poinantly meaningful for the adults. The artists voice is very soothing and I use it every night to put my 3yo son to bed. I love this book and tape... It is one of my house holds favorites!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Second Time Around, January 28, 2006

By 

Julie K "Julie" (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crocodile Smile Book and CD (Hardcover)

I was given a signed copy (by Sarah Weeks) and cassette tape when my boys were young (they are 15 & 17 now). My boys & I always had it in our car for road trips and knew all of the words to every song. I no longer have the cassette and am going to buy the CD for the book, as I am pregnant now with a little girl and can't wait to share the songs with her!