The Kindhearted Crocodile by Lucia Panzieri (review)

Although the titular crocodile has "big, sharp teeth; powerful jaws; and a swift, strong body," he's actually a sweet and helpful individual, hoping for adoption as a pet. Nice families, though, don't seem to want such toothy companions, so the clever croc figures out a way to insinuate his way into a family's good graces: he sneaks in via a picture book, coming out at night to perform good deeds for the family. When the amazed family discovers the identity of their magical helper, the kids plead to keep him; the parents have reservations—until the croc reveals his excellent coffee-making skills. The measured and slightly formal, quietly amusing text is a pleasure to read aloud. The contrast between the crocodile's ferocious exterior and his generous nature and altruistic actions—especially as depicted in Ferarri's illustrations—will fascinate both the kids who love and those who loathe scary creatures. The mixed-media art (done in India ink, acrylics, crayons, watercolors, and colored and butcher papers) perfectly captures the bold, sinuous form of the splotchy green, golden-eyed crocodile, who often looms over full spreads and is striking against the cream (with colored accents) or black backgrounds. The sketchy black outlines and casual lines of the human figures are slightly reminiscent of Quentin Blake's art, and they're amiable enough, but it's the oversized croc—sliding around corners, doing dishes, fighting off nightmares—who is the star of the story. Update a crocodile storytime with this title, or use it to spark a class discussion about "pets you wish you could have."