Alligators, Alligators
What’s inside...
From beloved picture book author Eve Bunting, a playful story set in a magical swamp about overcoming greed with the power of love, nature, and music. On the sunny river dock, people pack onto the big tourist boat, waiting for their chance to see the alligators. What they don’t know is that down in the swamp, the alligators are waiting for them too! Jim and his dad run this tour, and Jim has a special talent to share with the people and creatures of the swamp alike. Animals flock to him to hear his flute-playing—it even makes the alligators dance! His music is so remarkable that a greedy passenger decides he must have Jim's flute. Will one person’s selfishness ruin the magic of the swamp for everyone? A teenager's trip with the skateboard team brings her to the realization that teenage love does not necessarily have to last forever.
Discussion points
How do you think the alligator felt when he was trying to find his way home?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the alligator?
Why is it important to help others who seem lost or in trouble?
What did you learn about alligators that you didn’t know before?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and varied tones while reading to highlight different emotions and situations in the story.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as a time they helped someone or felt lost.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on how they imagine the setting and characters.
Discuss the moral of the story and its applicability to everyday life to deepen understanding and ethical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: Throughout the story, the alligators show how sharing their resources and time can make everyone happier and promote a sense of community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their toys and snacks with their peers, fostering better relationships and cooperative play at school or during playdates.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The various alligators in the book come in different sizes and colors, teaching children that differences are normal and should be celebrated.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace and respect the diverse backgrounds and appearances of the people around them, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: The protagonist alligator overcomes its fear of water by the end of the story, showing courage and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying out a new activity or making new friends, thus building their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The alligators work together to solve problems in their community, like fixing a broken dam.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which can translate to group projects in school or teamwork in sports.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: One of the alligators makes a significant mistake but learns from it, teaching a lesson in accountability and growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as they learn from them and try to do better next time, which is essential for personal development.