The Selfish Crocodile [Hardcover]

Charles Faustin (Author), Faustin Charles (Author), Michael Terry (Illustrator)

Book Description

A selfish crocodile who will not share the river with the other jungle animals changes his mind after receiving help from a brave mouse.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—Charles uses characters from his picture book The Selfish Crocodile (Little Tiger, 1999) to offer new versions of traditional rhymes. "Three brave mice, three brave mice,/See how they run, see how they run;/They all ran after the crocodile,/Who gave them a hug and a toothy smile…." Lions, giraffes, wild pigs, monkeys, and other animals appear in the rhymes. Terry's bright, amusing illustrations add plenty of energy. Even the spread of the crocodile's "teeth, teeth shining bright" isn't scary. On the accompanying CD, the author recites or sings, with a few jungle sound effects to spice up the presentation. With so many nursery-rhyme collections available, this one need not go to the top of a purchase list unless Charles's picture book is popular.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato END --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

In a river deep in the forest lives a large and very selfish crocodile who claims the river belongs to him alone and warns the other creatures to stay away or he'll eat them. He spends his life alone until one day he gets a toothache. Nobody dares help him until a brave mouse ventures in and pulls the tooth. The crocodile is so grateful that they become good friends, and the crocodile, having discovered the wonders of friendship, invites the other creatures back to the river, where they grow quite fond of him. This lesson in friendship is presented with hilarious, large, bright illustrations, making it perfect for reading aloud to groups. Helen Rosenberg

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Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Little Tiger Pr (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888444568
• ISBN-13: 978-1888444568
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,418,249 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Customer's Crocodile Critique, April 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Selfish Crocodile (Hardcover)

This "peachy" Pre-K teacher from Georgia gives "The Selfish Crocodile" an excellent review. I was introduced to the book at the Easter dinner table and instantly fell in love with the crocodile and his friends after reading it to my sister's 6 year old grandson. When everyone was ready to get up to leave the restaurant, the listening child would not consent to depart until the story had reached THE END. That sold me on knowing that this was a book that everyone would enjoy. Not only were we both very entertained by the content of the book, but our eyes were glued to the illustrations as we turned each page.

As a dedicated teacher of the language arts, I am always on the lookout for books that are both entertaining and educational. This book is an exemplary example of both areas. I would like to dangle some of the excitement of the story in front of a prospective new buyer by saying that the selfish crocodile is much happier at the conclusion of the story because of an entertaining encounter with his new friends. The book lends itself to endless possibilites which might be taught about literacy and one's inner beauty or character.

Some of my other favorite books about animals and their likes and dislikes of peers are: *The Rainbow Fish *The Grouchy Ladybug *Miss Moo Goes to the Zoo

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Selfish Crocodile, November 18, 2002

By 

Zachary Zillmer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Selfish Crocodile (Hardcover)

The Selfish Crocodile by Faustin Charles and Michael Terry is a very funny book. It is how a crocodile won't let anyone in the river except himself. Until one day when something happened to him and he discovered that he needs friends. He finds out the real meaning of friendship and that we can all get a long together.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars every body needs a friend, December 17, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Selfish Crocodile (Hardcover)

I think the author did a good job at describing what a friend is for.The story is good for little kids because it may teach them that they need to share or when you when you need something done no one will help you. I think the pitchures book are colorful and cheerful.