Beware of the Crocodile - by Martin Jenkins (Hardcover)

About the Book

An informative, playfully illustrated exploration of one of the world's most dangerous animals: the crocodile. This fascinating look at one of Earth's most infamous creatures is full of information with back matter that includes an index, notes on species, and suggestions for further reading. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Explore an informative, playfully illustrated story about one of the world's most dangerous animals: the crocodile.

You probably know a little about crocodiles already. They're reptiles, they have an awful lot of teeth, and they're pretty scary -- at least, the big ones are! They're not very fussy about what they eat, and when it comes to hunting down dinner, crocodiles are very determined . . . and very cunning. But there's more to crocodiles than just their appetites. They love to nap on warm sandbanks and cool off in calm waters, and crocodile mothers are very gentle with their babies. This fascinating look at one of Earth's most infamous creatures is full of information for amateur scientists, with back matter that includes an index, notes on species, and suggestions for further reading.

Review Quotes

Wry narration from Jenkins (The Squirrels' Busy Year) and dreamy illustrations by Kitamura (My Hand) elevate what could be a pedestrian animal exploration...It's not just a good crocodile reference; it's a good introduction to reference books.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"If there's one thing you should know about crocodiles, it's that they're really scary," begins this enticing picture-book overview of the toothy reptiles...With its measured, coy joy in the fierce details, this is the crocodile book that many kids have been waiting for, and it will end up on repeat as a readaloud and a readalone for many.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

Kitamura's mixed-media illustrations correspond with the text but include a bit of whimsy in extratextual features, such as the depiction of a nattily dressed crocodile scanning a restaurant menu of favored prey in the back matter. Chomp down on this one; there's a lot of meat on these narrative bones.
--The Horn Book

It may be hard to love a crocodile but, by taking a humorous approach, Beware of the Crocodile manages to make this fearsome reptile almost endearing. The combination of informative, non-judgemental text and delightful illustrations makes this a perfect gift for any child who loves animals.
--New York Journal of Books

As fascinating to read as it is fun to look at, Beware of Crocodiles is fast-paced, full of facts, cool illustrations, and a dash of humor here and there, making this book educational and enjoyable.
--Reading Eagle (from Kendal Rautzhan's "Books to Borrow")

Martin Jenkins writes in a playful, informative way about crocs and their habit of waiting just below the surface of lakes and rivers for passers-by who stop to have a drink...Satoshi Kitamura's expressive style of illustration is perfectly suited to presenting these toothy monsters, whose curved jaws look--almost--as if they are smiling.
--The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

Martin Jenkins has written many celebrated books for children, including The Emperor's Egg, illustrated by Jane Chapman, and Can We Save the Tiger?, illustrated by Vicky White. Martin Jenkins lives in England, where he works as a conservation biologist.

Satoshi Kitamura won the Mother Goose Award for the most exciting newcomer to children's book illustration for Angry Arthur, written by Hiawyn Oram. Satoshi Kitamura lives in Japan.