What Time Is It, Mr. Crocodile?
What’s inside...
Mr. Crocodile has big plans for finally catching--and eating--five pesky monkeys, but those little rascals dupe him again and again. By the time the clock strikes six, those mischievous monkeys actually teach Mr. Crocodile a thing or two about friendship and about having fun. A telling-time adventure recommended for children ages 3 to 8.
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Crocodile
The Monkeys
Discussion points
Why do you think Mr. Crocodile wanted to catch the monkeys?
How did the monkeys outsmart Mr. Crocodile each time?
What would you do if you were one of the monkeys?
How do you think Mr. Crocodile felt at the end of the story?
If you could create another adventure for Mr. Crocodile and the monkeys, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for Mr. Crocodile and the different monkeys to make the storytelling lively and engaging.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child what they think might happen next, encouraging them to think ahead.
Discuss the concept of teamwork as shown by the monkeys, and connect it to daily life examples of working together with others.
After reading, ask your child to draw a favorite scene from the book. Discuss what's happening in the scene and why they chose it.
Emphasize the emotions of the characters throughout the story to help your child understand and empathize with what they are feeling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Time management
Explanation: Mr. Crocodile plans his day meticulously, assigning specific times for various activities, which showcases the importance of time management.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to organize their day, allotting time for homework, play, and rest, mirroring Mr. Crocodile's schedule to balance their activities effectively.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Mr. Crocodile’s initial plans are disrupted by the monkeys, leading to scenarios where they have to work together, highlighting the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cooperate with siblings and classmates in shared tasks or games, promoting teamwork and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Flexibility and Adaptability
Explanation: Despite his well-laid plans, Mr. Crocodile faces unexpected changes caused by the monkeys’ antics. His ability to adapt teaches children the value of being flexible when faced with unforeseen circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned and that adapting to new situations is a valuable life skill.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: The book explores the concept of actions and consequences through Mr. Crocodile’s reactions to the monkeys’ interference with his daily schedule.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions, like the monkeys', can affect others, teaching them to consider the outcomes of their actions in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Shared Activities
Explanation: As Mr. Crocodile and the monkeys interact, they find joy in activities they initially approach with differing intentions, showing the fun in shared experiences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in group activities, appreciating collaboration and finding enjoyment in collective endeavors with peers or family members.