We recently watched the Motion Picture Musical adaptation of LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE.
I thought the music was so fun and felt it was a great picture book adaptation (which is rare, in my opinion).
The Picture Book Swamplands
After watching the show, I decided to read every crocodile and alligator book I could get my hands on to find the best.
There were WAY more books about these swamp-dwellers than I ever imagined. Hahaha.
Without further adieu….
The BEST Alligator and Crocodile Books
I’D REALLY LIKE TO EAT A CHILD by Sylviane Donnio and Dorothee de Monfreid is one of my VERY FAVORITE PICTURE BOOKS EVER. Honestly…it is hilarious and delightful EVERY TIME. It makes adults and kids giggle. Little Achilles has one goal… to eat a child.
CHOMP GOES THE ALLIGATOR by Matthew Van Fleet has numbers, touch-and-feel spots, and an interactive alligator. This book is perfect for little ones.
WHAT DOES THE LITTLE CROCODILE SAY? by Eva Montanari is another great one for the little ones. Especially those who might be a little nervous to start preschool. With cute onomatopoeias and a lovable main character, I love this little book.
IF YOU EVER WANT TO BRING AN ALLIGATOR TO SCHOOL, DON’T! by Elise Parsley Is a humorous take on a school book. If you have ever thought about taking an alligator to school, you might want to think again, and Magnolia will tell you why. Hahaha.
ALAN’S BIG, SCARY TEETH by Jarvis is HILARIOUS. Alan likes swimming around the swamp scaring all the other creatures. But there is a funny secret about Alan’s big, scary teeth. You will have to read this brilliant book to find out what it is.
WHO WILL KISS THE CROCODILE?: A SNAPPY TWIST ON SLEEPING BEAUTY by Suzy Senior & Claire Powell is super clever and written in perfect rhyme! Not only is the princess cursed to fall asleep, but in this version, she is also turned into a crocodile, which makes kissing her much less appealing.
THE HOUSE ON EAST 88TH STREET (LYLE THE CROCODILE) by Bernard Waber is the first book in the classic LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE series. You can’t go wrong with the Primm Family and the ever-delightful Lyle.
ZACK’S ALLIGATOR by Shirley Mozelle and James Watts is another classic. Although it is advertised as a beginner reader (and works great for that purpose), it is also just a great story for any elementary-age kiddo. In this story, the main character has a toy alligator that grows and comes to life if Zack adds water. How cool is that?
THE CAIMAN by Maria Eugenia Manrique & Ramon Paris is based on a true story of a clockmaker who adopts a baby alligator. The ensuing relationship is both surprising and touching.
Click here to download a FREE coloring page to go along with your alligator and crocodile books!
Jamie
Check out these other great book lists:
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