A diverting reminder that kindness comes in all shapes and sizes—and sometimes requires community.

Publishers Weekly

Kind Crocodile

A kind crocodile leaves his pond to see the world, in this fresh and playful new board book from New York Times Illustrated Book Award winning author Leo Timmers.

Animals are in danger—help, kind crocodile! Here comes a terrified mouse, a frightened hog, an antelope. One by one they find shelter on Crocodile’s long back, while his big teeth scare their enemies away. GRRR!

In a fun game of chase, the kind crocodile gives shelter to one animal after another on his long green back, scaring away their pursuers—until the load becomes too heavy and the crocodile doesn’t feel so kind anymore, and turns on his friends. GRRRR!

But not for long: “Just kidding!” says Crocodile.

“Not kind!” say the friends.

This funny board book from Leo Timmers features his trademark detailed illustrations full of expression and a satisfying twist ending—will Crocodile gobble up his friends? Of course not, the kind crocodile is just pretending.

Kind Crocodile is a board book to enjoy again and again, with a lively game of chase and a message about teamwork at its heart. A larger format sturdy board book perfect for reading with toddlers and preschoolers who can join in with the fun repetition.

Translated from the Dutch edition by Bill Nagelkerke.

Activity sheet | Look inside video | Author video


  • Book Details

    Country of Origin Belgium
    Reader Age 0-2 year, 2-5 year
    Book Size
    ISBN

  • Reviews

    1. Bank Street Best Children’s Books 2023 – Holiday Gift Edition

      Humorous, expressive illustrations.

    2. Olivia the Librarian IG

      An excellent read aloud for the storytime and classroom crowds.

    3. Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center

      This story is full of funny and fabulous images of animals. I loved this one!

    4. Reading Rockets

      Summer Reading Guide 2023

    5. Booklist

      This board book features well-chosen words along with visual drama that translates well.

    6. Read with a Rescue

      A real page turner – will have you laughing out loud.

    7. Juno Magazine

      The book captures perfectly the terror and excitement children feel when playing a game of chase.

    8. Outside In World

      A book for young readers to be enjoyed again and again with its hilarious game of chase and a message about teamwork at its heart.

    9. Through the Bookshelf

      Simple text and gorgeous illustrations combine perfectly to convey this gently humorous tale about Kind Crocodile whose patience is tested to the limit.

    10. The Scotsman

      The Best Children’s Books for the Easter Holidays
      Lots of fun for little ones with some fearsome animals to spot too.

    11. Poetry Box – Paula Green

      Kind Crocodile matches a simple and sweetly crafted storyline with simply and exquisitely rendered illustrations.

    12. Red Reading Hub

      Humorously expressive mixed media illustrations, simple patterned text and a fun plot twist.

    13. School Reading List

      Picture Book of the Month
      A very clever and stylish picture book, the charming illustrations are filled with expression and character.

    14. Politics and Prose bookstore

      Kids will enjoy the buildup as more and more animals look to Crocodile for help…The words are sparse and the message is subtle, but effective.

    15. Lancashire Evening Post

      Perfect for reading aloud with toddlers and pre-schoolers who will love the use of repetition and the lively game of chase whilst subtly taking on board the advantages that come from teamwork.

    16. Youth Services Book Review, starred review

      A wonderful read aloud, with simple text and adorable paint and collage artwork.

    17. Publishers Weekly

      A diverting reminder that kindness comes in all shapes and sizes—and sometimes requires community.

    18. School Library Journal, Betsy Bird

      Could be at all possible that there are a few of you still out there unaware of the great golden glory that is Leo Timmers?

    19. Kirkus Reviews

      The humorously expressive illustrations are appealing, as are the prominent appearances of onomatopoeic animal howls incorporated at strategic points throughout.


Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.

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