For the child learning to navigate new friendships or who feels a bit different, this charming story gently reminds us that everyone deserves kindness and understanding.
A parent should reach for this book when their child feels misunderstood or is having trouble making friends because they seem 'different' to others. The story follows a friendly young crocodile who wants to play with the frogs, but his big, toothy smile scares them away. He tries several funny but failed attempts to hide his teeth, feeling lonelier with each try. This gentle and humorous tale beautifully explores themes of loneliness, the desire to belong, and the importance of looking past first appearances. Perfect for children aged 3 to 6, its simple text and expressive illustrations make it an accessible tool for starting conversations about kindness, empathy, and the courage it takes to be oneself.
The core topic is social exclusion based on appearance. The approach is metaphorical and gentle, using the animal characters to explore a universal childhood experience. The book is secular, and the resolution is simple, direct, and completely hopeful.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a 4 or 5-year-old who feels like an outsider on the playground, or who has been told they are 'too' something (too big, too loud, too shy). It is also an excellent choice for a child who is quick to judge others, as it provides a simple and effective lesson in empathy.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed. The story is self-contained and its message is clear through the illustrations. It can be read cold. A parent may want to be ready to discuss times their child has felt like the crocodile or like one of the frogs. A parent might seek this book after hearing their child say, "No one wants to play with me," or after a teacher mentions that the child struggles to join group play. It addresses the pain of being misunderstood and the frustration of one's intentions not matching others' perceptions.
Age Experience
A 3-year-old will connect with the physical humor and the basic emotional states of sad versus happy. A 5 or 6-year-old will grasp the more complex social dynamics: being judged for your appearance, the importance of empathy, and understanding that things are not always as they seem.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is its profound simplicity. With minimal text, the bold, expressive illustrations carry the emotional weight. Unlike many books where the protagonist must change to be accepted, here the crocodile doesn't change himself. Instead, a shift in circumstances allows the other characters to see his true, kind nature, placing the focus on overcoming misunderstanding rather than fixing a perceived personal flaw.
Read plot summary
A young crocodile wants to befriend a group of frogs, but his toothy grin terrifies them. He makes several comical attempts to hide his teeth: covering his mouth with his hands, taping his snout shut, and even wearing a ridiculous mask. Dejected by his repeated failures, he begins to cry. His tears form a puddle that the thirsty frogs are grateful for. When he smiles at them, they finally understand his happiness is genuine, not threatening, and they all become friends.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When the crocodile first smiled, the frogs all jumped away. Why do you think they were scared? Was the crocodile trying to be scary?
2
The crocodile tried taping his mouth and wearing a mask to hide his teeth. Why didn't those ideas work to make friends?
3
At the end, the frogs finally understood the crocodile was friendly. What happened that made them change their minds about him?
4
Have you ever felt like the crocodile, where you wanted to play but felt a little shy or different? What did you do?
5
What games do you think the crocodile and the frogs will play together now that they are friends?
