Crocodiles Need Kisses Too

Toddler-PreS–This charming picture book suggests that every living creature, no matter the species, needs to feel accepted. Even though crocodiles have “toothy mouths,” porcupines have “prickly spines,” and great white sharks have “jagged grins,” their young all need to be loved and nurtured. Colby has chosen some of the most conventionally unlovable animals, including vultures, rattlesnakes, gorillas, and tarantulas, and her rhyming couplets convince readers that those creatures are worthy of affection. “Never mind their pouncing paws, raging roars and scratching claws, just like me and just like you, tigers need some snuggles too.” Three pages of illustrations are devoted to each critter being hugged or kissed or cuddled by another of its species. Large, colorful illustrations, employing acrylic paint and digital pixels, appear in a variety of sizes and use simple shapes to create friendly-looking animals while sweetly depicting the love they share.