My Crocodile Does Not Bite

PreS-Gr 2—It's time for the annual pet show, and snotty Cindy Lou brags that her poodle is going to win. Ernest enters his gigantic crocodile. Despite Cindy Lou's protests that Gustave will bite everyone, Ernest repeatedly explains that his pet does not bite. The plot unfolds with comical, unexpected twists. When Gustave will not fit on the school bus, Ernest rides him to school. There the other students and even the principal take a liking to the huge, well-trained croc. Then a jealous Cindy Lou trips Gustave as he juggles, plays the harmonica, and rides a unicycle. During the fall, the croc swallows the harmonica, so Ernest reaches into his mouth and retrieves it. Wanting to show off Fifi's talents, Cindy Lou tosses a tennis ball, which rolls into Gustave's mouth with Fifi chasing after it. Cindy Lou crawls in to rescue her dog and is swallowed. The ending reveals Ernest winning the prize while the concluding illustration depicts Gustave riding the unicycle as he juggles Cindy Lou and Fifi. This fun read-aloud will keep listeners and readers chuckling. Kulka's spirited acrylic artwork gives personality to the characters and adds to the humor.—Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH