The Little Alligator with Orange Feet
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
The Little Alligator with Orange Feet is about an alligator named Sabastian who gets teased by his siblings because of his orange feet. After running off into the swamp and getting lost, Sabastian meets Mr. Robin, a bird with a blue beak who has also experienced teasing. Mr. Robin shares his own experiences and helps Sabastian learn to embrace his differences. The story explores themes of acceptance and self-love, making it perfect for young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-12
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the little alligator with orange feet different from other alligators?
How do you think the little alligator feels about having orange feet?
What would you do if you met someone who looked different from everyone else?
Can you think of a time when you felt different? How did that make you feel?
What can we learn from the little alligator about being unique?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive intonation to bring the characters and the story to life, making the reading experience more enjoyable and relatable.
After reading, encourage your child to draw the little alligator, highlighting its unique orange feet. Discuss each part of the drawing to delve deeper into the child’s thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or current events to help your child make connections between the story and the real world.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next or suggest an alternative ending to stimulate imagination and creative thinking.
Compliment your child for insightful observations or unique thoughts during the discussion to build confidence and encourage active participation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The Little Alligator with Orange Feet explores how the titular character's distinct orange feet make him stand out among his peers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace their unique traits and qualities, fostering self-acceptance and confidence in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, the alligator faces various challenges due to his unusual appearance, but he learns to overcome them with perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches kids the importance of resilience and persistence, especially when encountering obstacles or situations where they feel different from others.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The alligator eventually finds friends who appreciate him for his uniqueness, illustrating the importance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek out and cherish friendships that uplift them and recognize the beauty in their differences, promoting positive social interactions.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: The book demonstrates that differences should be celebrated rather than judged, showcasing a community that grows to love the alligator's unique features.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and inclusive, teaching them to celebrate diversity in their communities and peer groups.
Example Lesson: Courage to Be Oneself
Explanation: Despite initial fears and doubts, the alligator learns to proudly show his orange feet, embodying true bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being true to themselves, even when it feels daunting, encouraging them to express their true selves in various settings.