This colorful picture book compares crocodilians to humans; their family habits, eating habits, communication, parenting styles and general lifestyles.  Pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings are mixed with actual photos of the beasts in a humorous attempt at lighthearted comedy.

This book is marketed to K – 3^rd graders, intended as a read along experience with an adult.  Language and terminology are too difficult for most 3^rd graders.  Also, some of the text is hand lettered that an average 3^rd grade student might find problematic.

I found the jumping from species to species confusing as there is only a brief sentence on the first page identifying the different crocodilians.  There is a glossary in the back of the book, but I would have preferred to have those terms being introduced on the page they appeared, in a bubble format perhaps?

The illustrations are aimed at a young audience, but the content and information seem to be more appropriate for an older child.  I would welcome this book in my library if I needed books on this topic, as it might be helpful to teachers doing a class project.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Public Library, Castine