I, Crocodile
on Goodreads (303)
What’s inside...
In 'I, Crocodile,' an Egyptian crocodile enjoys a contented life along the Nile until Napoleon Bonaparte captures him and takes him to Paris. The crocodile becomes a celebrity but soon grows homesick for the Nile. He must cleverly find a way to escape and return to his beloved river. The book explores themes of displacement, adaptation, and the quest for home. While robbing Egypt's mummies, sphinxes, and palm trees, Napoleon can't resist bringing home a souvenir crocodile as well. All Paris is enchanted with this exotic creature. But for a crocodile with an appetite as big as his ego, being the toast of the town has its downside, too. What's a crocodile who's used to a dinner of flamingo, snake, or mongoose to make of chocolate mousse? Oh, to return to his beloved Nile! But fickle Napoleon has other plans for our hero. Inspired by an obscure nineteenth-century French satire, I, Crocodile is the first book Fred Marcellino has written as well as illustrated. It received recognition as a 2000 ALA Notable Children's Book, 1999 New York Times Best Illustrated Book, and made the 2000-2001 Georgia's Picture Storybook Award and Georgia's Children's Book Award Masterlist.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Crocodile
Napoleon Bonaparte
Discussion points
What do you think the crocodile felt moving to a new place?
Why do you think the crocodile loved eating so much?
How did the people in Paris react to the crocodile? What does that teach us about accepting differences?
What are some ways the crocodile tried to fit in? Have you ever felt the same way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, introduce your child to the concept of empathy by discussing times they have felt out of place or new to a situation.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the crocodile feels. This can enhance their understanding of the character's emotions.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book. Discuss why they chose that particular scene.
Explore the theme of acceptance by discussing how the crocodile was treated and what it feels like to be welcomed or rejected.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptation and resilience
Explanation: The story of the crocodile taken from Egypt to France exemplifies how it adapted to new surroundings despite unexpected changes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to new environments such as moving to a new city or changing schools, and becoming resilient in the face of new challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The crocodile's feelings and challenges are depicted in a way that encourages readers to sympathize with his situation.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and express empathy towards others who might be in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations.
Example Lesson: The value of self-worth
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, even when the crocodile is being mocked or when it felt lost, it never loses its intrinsic dignity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to maintain self-esteem and self-respect, regardless of external situations or others' opinions.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The book paints a vivid picture of the differences between the crocodile’s life in Egypt and in France, subtly introducing concepts of cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about and appreciate diverse cultures and backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive outlook from a young age.
Example Lesson: Importance of safety and security
Explanation: As the crocodile navigates through various precarious situations, the theme of seeking safety and security becomes apparent.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of seeking safe environments and the comfort of home, teaching children to value and seek out spaces where they feel secure.