Horizontal Crocodile - by Scott Rothman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

When a very loooooooong Horizontal Crocodile gets ready for a visit from a friend, his list of chores makes for a loooooooong day in this "lively, playful" (School Library Journal, starred review) picture book perfect for fans of Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug and Mother Bruce.

In a nice, loooooooong swamp, lives a nice, loooooooong Horizontal Crocodile whose loooooooong lost best friend is coming over...but Horizontal Crocodile's nice, loooooooong house is one HUGE mess!

Can he get it cleaned up in time for his best buddy's visit? See the lengths Horizontal Crocodile goes to in the name of being a caring and considerate friend in this hilarious and heartwarming read-aloud.

Review Quotes

★ "Charming illustrations and punchy text work together to elicit big laughs. A strong choice for most picture book collections."--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

The story, which makes for a lively read-aloud, playfully demonstrates that having an open mind can elevate friendships to new heights.--The Horn Book

A B&N Best Kids' Book of the Month

"Reptile enthusiasts and storytime tellers alike will be keen to get a hold of this silly and joyful tale about appreciating friends and all the wonderful changes they can bring."--Bulletin of the Center of Children

"Part of the fun of this rather straightforward story is Won's artwork, which draws out Horizontal Crocodile's length to a comical degree and is amplified by the book's wide trim size....Rothman's text draws out lots of words ("biiiiiiiig," "grooooooooss") to match the length of his protagonist, which should be a real hit for read-alouds."--Booklist

"Real friendship, it turns out, can orient in more than one direction in this tale that balances the goofy and the gracious."--Publishers Weekly

"Underneath all the silliness and visual gags lies a good message about rolling with the unexpected and adapting to change....A great idea with even better execution."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Scott Rothman is a very vertical screenwriter and the author of picture books Horizontal Crocodile, Attack of the Underwear Dragon, Return of the Underwear Dragon, Blue Bison Needs a Haircut, Warm and Fuzzy, and Kittybunkport. He lives in Connecticut with his vertical family and horizontal dog. Visit him at ScottRothmanWriter.com.

Brian Won is an illustrator, author, and art director. His picture book debut, Hooray for Hat!, was named an NPR Best Book and a HuffPost Best Picture Book, while Hooray for Today! earned a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. Originally from Chicago, Brian now lives with his family in Glendora, California. Visit him at BrianWon.com.