FICTION

There Is a Crocodile Under My Bed

by Ingrid SCHUBERT
tr. from Dutch. illus. by Dieter Schubert. English ed. 32p. Lemniscaat. May 2015. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781935954088.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—One night Sophie discovers a crocodile under her bed and is thrilled and not the least bit frightened. Carl (the croc) on the other hand is a bit skittish and tries to hide. Eventually the two perform tricks, make about a thousand pancakes, and create egg-carton-crocodiles. Finally, when it is time for bed, Carl tells Sophie a story involving all his reptilian antics. In this simple and classic story, the Schuberts give a nod to Maurice Sendak as Sophie has a stuffed toy wild thing. The illustrations are light and simultaneously vibrant, giving off the glow of sleep and dreamland. Children will love the dynamic between Carl and Sophie, teaching a lesson in imagination and fearlessness. A great title for reading aloud, the book even comes with a craft idea for children and caregivers.
VERDICT Short and sweet, this is an endearing story with energetic illustrations.
Reviewed by Kaitlin Connors, Virginia Beach Public Library
New ed., 2005, Front Street. Sophie discovers Carl the crocodile under her bed, and Carl is scared of Sophie. Originally published in 1981, this latest edition offers new green-and-yellow-toned illustrations capturing the pairs' playful escapades as Sophie demands that Carl perform tricks, make pancakes, and tell her stories. With an economy of text, this monster-under-the-bed book offers a lighthearted approach to bedtime fears.
 , Mar 01, 2015

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