A crocodile in the family by Kitty Black
Illus. by Daron Parton. Hachette Australia, 2020. ISBN:
9780734419507.
(Ages: 3-7) Recommended. When a family of birds decide to take an
abandoned egg home with them they don't really know what to expect.
They sit the egg up on a gold-tasselled cushion to watch television
with them and watch with anticipation as it begins to crack. When a
bright green crocodile pops out they are positively thrilled . . .
but the other bush animals are astonished. Why would they want to
keep him?! He is green! He could eat you! As croc grows his other
qualities start to become clear. Do you keep him because he is
beautiful?, they ask. Is it because he is helpful or fun? He is all
of those things, say the bird family, but that isn't why we keep
him. It is 'because he belongs with us, and that's that.'
This is a heart-warming story about families and how people within
them can be different in all sorts of ways. A useful starting point
for discussions about family diversity that could be applied to
adoption, unique characteristics within families and societal
perceptions of family differences.
Parton's illustrations are bold, bright and filled with humorous
detail. The other Australian animals depicted each have their own
distinctive personalities that could also spark further
conversation. Themes: Family, Belonging.
Nicole Nelson