Frockodile
What’s inside...
Celebrating acceptance and being who you really are, this joyful story is about Cliff, the crocodile who wants to wear a dress. When the hyenas laugh at Cliff, he pretends he's dressing up for a play. But no play exists! Luckily his friend Freddy comes to the rescue and creates a show for Cliff to star in. But what will his dad say when he sees him? A funny story about inclusion and supporting your friends and family illustrated with exuberance. Jeanne Willis is an award-winning author who has written over 150 books, including The Bog Baby, the Paddington Movie novelisation and Tadpole's Promise.
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cliff The Crocodile
Discussion points
What do you think Frockodile was feeling when he put on his frock for the first time?
Why do you think the other animals reacted the way they did to Frockodile's choice?
How did Frockodile show courage throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you did something different and how others reacted?
What does this story teach us about accepting others for who they are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to build their confidence.
Ask your child to compare their own experiences with those of Frockodile, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of being true to oneself, using examples from the book and relating them to real-life scenarios.
Highlight the reactions of other animals in the story, prompting a conversation about kindness and acceptance.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your voice for different characters, to make the story more engaging and enjoyable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: In 'Frockodile,' the main character, a crocodile who loves wearing a frock, teaches children the importance of embracing their unique interests despite what others may think.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by feeling confident in expressing their individual tastes and hobbies, even if they are different from those of their peers.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: Throughout the story, other characters learn to accept the crocodile for who he is, showcasing the value of understanding and embracing differences among friends.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and accepting of their classmates and friends who may have different preferences or lifestyles.
Example Lesson: Courage to Be Yourself
Explanation: The crocodile's decision to wear a frock despite potential ridicule demonstrates the courage it takes to stay true to oneself.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to stand up for themselves and their choices, regardless of peer pressure, fostering a sense of self-esteem and personal integrity.
Example Lesson: Joy in Self-Expression
Explanation: The happiness that the crocodile experiences while wearing what he loves underscores the joy found in genuine self-expression.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of engaging in activities that bring them joy, enhancing their emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Support
Explanation: As the story progresses, the support from friends plays a crucial role in the crocodile’s happiness, illustrating the impact of empathy and support from others.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be supportive and empathetic towards others, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment at home or in school.