An imaginative young crocodile who liked to ask questions, Ernst was constantly wondering "what if...?," and dreaming of a world in which reality looked a little different. What if sand were more like fudge? What if the school-bus could sing? What if grandmothers were young, rather than old? But when he wakes up on the morning of his birthday, having dreamed of a fantastic world where all those 'what-ifs' were given form, he discovers that he couldn't possibly think of a better world, than the one in which he is living...

The first of three picture-book adventures to feature Ernst the crocodile - the subsequent two being The Puddle Pail and A Carousel Tale (the latter of which was my introduction to the character, and to the author/artist's work) - this lovely little volume features the endearing characters and gorgeous artwork that I have come to expect from Elisa Kleven. I particularly enjoyed the dream sequence, in which Ernst journeys through the stars, to another world, as the background becomes a little darker, and the beauty of Kleven's collage artwork can really stand out. Recommended to all young dreamers and wishers, and to fans of Kleven's work. ( )

A little alligator asks a lot of "what if?", when he dreams they all come true. Also, at the end it is his birthday. Very fun, whimsical illustrations. ( )