I have a real soft spot for naughty crocodiles. The art is vibrant, the humor is zany, and this one is a lot of fun.

This book was a delightful read! Having been on Newbery Award watching lists, I wanted to give this a try. With awesome illustrations (that's Brian Floca for you) and a delightful story with both humor and heart.....I read this book in an hour.

This book is fantastic for beginning readers or reluctant readers. The pictures (pretty much on every page) aid in the telling of the story. And who doesn't want to read about a crocodile who eats cream puffs ;) Cora is also a strong female protagonist...start kids young on that!

Now do I think it should win a Newbery? Not necessarily because I feel like the text needs the illustrations. Sure it stands on its own but I found myself loving the story because of Floca's work. In that way I would prefer it for a Caldecott medal. It was nice, however, to read a story without a political message. Smiling is needed in today's world ( )

Note: I received a hardcover copy of this book from the publisher at ALA Midwinter. ( )

Not since Bink and Gollie have a I read a beginning chapter book that brought such delight to my heart. Hilarious, delicious, with astonishingly funny illustrations (the crocodile with mop hair is ridiculous and fabulous) and such a timely message for children and families who are overscheduled, or more inclined to look at a phone than each other. This would be marvelous to read aloud as well. ( )

Wonderful. And as delightful as Brian Floca's illustrations are, I enjoyed the pictures Laura Amy Schlitz's words painted in my mind even more. ( )