Crocodiles Need Friends, Too!

Toddler-Gr 2–Toro’s picture book, featuring a crocodile, imparts the message that looks can be deceiving. Crocodile longs to make friends with the monkeys, giraffes, and other animals living in the African savannah, but anytime they see him coming, they run away, leaving him sad and lonely. No one seems to recognize that he is not like other crocodiles; he is sensitive and creative. Even though his parents tell him his attempts at making friends are pointless, he is certain that he could succeed if the others could get to know him beyond his rough crocodile exterior.. The animals within each page are captivating, expressing emotions through their facial expressions and body language. The African savannah comes alive through mixed-media watercolor and ink images of vivid pinks, blues, and muted pastels.