
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the rigidity of a schedule or needs a playful way to practice telling time. It is a fantastic choice for kids who get frustrated when things do not go according to plan, offering a humorous look at how flexibility can lead to unexpected joy. The story follows Mr. Crocodile, who starts his day with a very specific, somewhat devious agenda: catching monkeys. However, as the clock ticks by, his plans are constantly thwarted by the playful primates, leading him to a change of heart. Through bouncy rhyme and vibrant illustrations, children learn that friendship is more fulfilling than holding onto a grudge or a 'to-do' list. It is an ideal read for preschoolers and early elementary students (ages 3 to 7) who are beginning to understand the concept of time and social navigation. Parents will appreciate how it models the 'pivot' from frustration to fun, showing that even a grumpy crocodile can find happiness in a picnic over a hunt.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist starts with the intent to eat the other characters, though it is comedic.
The book deals with 'predatory' intent in a purely metaphorical and slapstick way. Mr. Crocodile wants to eat the monkeys, but it is handled with the classic 'Tom and Jerry' style of cartoon violence where no one is ever in real danger. The resolution is secular and hopeful, focusing on social integration.
A child who thrives on routine but needs help 'going with the flow' when things change. It is also perfect for a 1st grader beginning to learn about analog clocks and elapsed time.
This is a great 'cold read.' You might want to practice the rhythmic meter once to ensure the 'What time is it?' refrain lands with a good beat. A child having a meltdown because their planned activity was cancelled or changed at the last minute.
Younger children (3-4) will focus on the silly animals and the repetitive 'tick-tock' sounds. Older children (5-7) will engage with the actual time-telling on the clock faces and the irony of Mr. Crocodile's failures.
Unlike many 'telling time' books that are dry and instructional, this one uses time as a narrative engine for a character study on temperament and social-emotional growth.
Mr. Crocodile creates a strict hourly schedule centered around catching monkeys for his dinner. Throughout the day, from 9:00 to 6:00, his attempts are foiled by the monkeys' cleverness and his own mishaps. By the end of the day, his schedule is ruined, but he discovers that playing and eating with the monkeys is more fun than trying to eat them.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.