A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast

by Colleen Larmour

A wickedly funny cautionary tale about the perils of missing the most important meal of the day! Croc is running late for his shift as the river ferry. No time for breakfast. He’ll pick up some donuts at the Hippo Hut. Only, Hippo’s sold out! Good thing Croc has an emergency snack. Except, his banana has gone bad! Croc is going to have to work on an empty stomach, with loads of animals on his back. Croc gets hungrier and hungrier, thinking of donuts and … other things to eat. Will he ever make it to lunch? Author and illustrator Colleen Larmour keeps the suspense level high in this playful picture book, with a fast-paced story told mostly in dialogue bubbles, spreads filled with animal antics and bright tropical colors, and funny, exaggerated depictions of Croc’s growing hunger. A delicious romp, this book also serves as a terrific reminder that food is fuel.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Food, Storytime, Animals, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Colleen Larmour is an illustrator and designer with a master’s in children's book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art in the United Kingdom. She lives in Northern Ireland with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[NrsKelley]

Hilariously funny story reminding kids about why breakfast is so important! Especially to a crocodile! Can’t have him wanting to eat his friends!

With hilarious pictures and a funny tale, this book is perfect for kids!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maeve’s Reading Adventures]

A crocodile is in a rush to get to work, skips out on breakfast. His emergency snack to curb hunger was a rotten banana in their bag (hilarious, us adults can totally relate to the neglected snack that we carry back and forth). This creates a hard work day with the crocodile as they get hungrier and hungrier it’s getting harder to think about donuts when they continually help transport animals. Delicious looking animal friends. Thank heavens, the Hippo comes to deliver the much needed donuts just in the nick of time!

Loved the sprinkle pages and the page with the crocodiles crazy eyes! Book is great as a friendly reminder that breakfast is an important meal for kids.

I think it’s really cool that the author wrote the story AND drew the pages. Well done! Great illustrations!

The thought bubbles with the animals being prepared as food might play a bit morbid to younger kids like toddlers.

Thank you Kids Can Press for an eARC. This is my honest review!

[Reading Adventures]

Super cute and silly. That’s exactly what you can expect from this fun little story all about the importance of not missing the most important meal of the day. Breakfast. After skipping breakfast and in a rush Croc is quick to find that everything keeps going wrong. All his plans fall apart and he is still hungry. The illustrations are bright and get us involved in the story, most of which happens in thought bubbles. Your kids will love this fast paced, on the edge of your seat story that secretly teaches how important it is to eat breakfast. Super fun and engaging. Your family will love this adventure.

[benita]

In A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast we meet a crocodile who are late to work: they work as the jungle’s ferry. In the process, he doesn’t get the chance to eat breakfast—the most important meal of the day. What happens next?
This was a fun read and I absolutely loved the illustrations and how it got the message across: eating breakfast is important. Hopefully young readers will also find this funny and love the illustrations as much as I did!
Happy reading!♥️

I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Theresa]

A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast (Hardcover)
by Colleen Larmour

A funny book to remind children about routines and dietary health. A good book for social emotional learning helping the students understand how to take care of themselves even with time anxiety. It also shows the nature of friendship and helping others take care of themselves.

[Ilona]

[I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.]

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A very funny story about a crocodile who had to skip breakfast in order not to be late for his first day of work! After all, it's not that important, right? He can have a snack later…

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A cute and fun story to remind kids that breakfast is an (if not the most) important meal a the day.

[Rebecca]

A cute story about the importance of having breakfast... Especially if you're a crocodile!
This book would be a lot fun to read to a class and could be used to start a health lesson about nutrition and healthy eating habits.

[Sarah]

Thanks for Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the arc of this book.

Crocodile is late for work, so no breakfast for him! This book follows Croc as he tries to make it through the day without his most important meal. I really appreciated the bright illustrations that helped to bring the story to life! I think this is a story that early readers would enjoy.

[Dahlia]

This was a cute light read perfect for in between Books. What happens when Croc goes to work hungry, because he had no time to eat breakfast.
The art was colorful and fun.
If you search for something to read with your little ones this could be for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher in Exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole]

Croc is running late and has no time for breakfast. Oh well, what could possibly happen?

Such a cute read! A fun story about the importance of eating breakfast. My 3 year old loved all the colorful pictures and sat until the end. She had a blast pointing out the different animals and naming them for me!

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly]

A wide-eyed crocodile oversleeps and skips breakfast so he won’t be late for his ever important job ferrying animals across the river. His plan to grab a donut from Hippo’s donut stand is foiled when he finds out Hippo is SOLD OUT and his back up snack turns out to be a rotten banana. Dreaming of snacks, Croc begins ferrying a full load of animals down river… and despite his best efforts, he imagines how yummy each of them might taste. Before it is too late, his good friend Hippo comes to the rescue with a fresh batch of donuts. Despite the exaggerated humor and comic illustrations, there is an undisguised message about the importance of eating breakfast. Crocodile’s antics are also a reminder that when we get really hungry, we may get out of sorts and act badly. The use of speech bubbles and the droll narrator are an effective storytelling technique. For older fans of the must read classic, “My Father’s Dragon,” the crocodile ferry is reminiscent of the ill-fated journey by another group of wild animals on the backs of hungry crocodiles.

Recommended for ages 2-8 by the SEPA Book Reviewers

[Noodlenuts Kids Books]

I first reviewed this book at @NoodlenutsKidsBooks about a week into September, with my social media feed full of back-to-school pics of all my favourite kids from across at least four different countries, which obviously delighted me.

And in my usual tradition of coming at topics a bit sideways, I thought it would be fun to celebrate the return to school with "A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast" (2024).

Mind you, this story doesn't mention school at all; but it is very much about an issue - skipping breakfast - that most parents encounter during this busy time of year, as they try to emphasise to kids the importance of starting off the day right.

With the most fabulously exaggerated, vibrant illustrations, and a combination of regular text, word balloons and thought bubbles, this is the picture book equivalent of slapstick comedy, as Crocodile's irreverent decision to skip breakfast turns into a series of hilarious consequences that may be a bit dire for the passengers about to take a ride on a VERY hungry"ferry service". 😂

A surefire giggle of a book, and a great opportunity to talk to kids about small choices having foreseeably big consequences.

[Mama Bearian]

Have you ever skipped breakfast because you were running late? I know I have, though luckily, I am not a crocodile.

When Crocodile is running late for work, he skips breakfast and intends to grab a donut on the way — but the donuts are sold out! With no time to find something else, Croc must go straight to work. This wouldn’t be such a problem except he works as a ferry, ferrying animals back and forth across the river on his back. You can probably see how this might become problematic…

I thought that this was a cute book with a story that is easy for young children to follow, though I do feel like I’ve read books with similar plots (though I can’t think of them, so maybe it just feels that way). It had bold and colorful illustrations that contributed well to the story, and the text used a narrator that talked directly to the reader at times, which ended up being my favorite part. It also left great potential for a follow-up book, which I hope to see.

Overall, this was a fun book and would be a great book to read to a reluctant young breakfast eater.

[Mary Beth]

This is an extremely fun children’s book with eye catching illustrations and a conveys a great message about the importance of starting your day with breakfast. Croc with the help of a wide array of animal characters and his growing hunger make this a very entertaining book!

I read this to the children I nanny, and they were pulled into it instantly. The three-year-old was noticing all the fun illustrations while the five- and eight-year-olds were worried about what the crocodile might do without his breakfast. All three of them asked for the story again later in the day because they enjoyed it so much. We easily discussed how important it is for them to eat a healthy breakfast.

I am extremely grateful to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this wonderful picture book! I will definitely buy this book to add to my nannying bookshelf when it becomes available.

[Brianna Shrout]

I received an DARC of this book via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Crocodiles should never skip breakfast! It’s the most important meal of the day! But what happens when Croc is running late for work and must skip breakfast? Just how long can Croc hold out before he must eat??

I read this with my daughter during nap time. I love the colors and how brightly illustrated it is! It even captured my daughter’s attention too! The storyline is very sweet and easy to follow. It helps to teach the lesson on how important breakfast is for everyone. I highly recommend this book for your little one, especially younger children! My daughter is almost 3 months old and we enjoyed it. I will definitely be picking up a copy when it releases!

[Luna]

**eARC provide by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Overall, this book is super cute and just the right amount of silly. The illustrations are super gorgeous and colorful. Plus, it's very easy to read.

This book is less about the actual importance of not skipping breakfast (which is highly debatable as different bodies have different needs) and more about self-regulating. Croc skips breakfast and this results in them getting progressively more desperate and potentially harmful to the other critters around them. This highlights the need of understanding that there are times were you MUST slow down even if it means being a bit late to work. It's important to take care your needs for your own well-being and that of others. It also points at the necessity of community, as it is Hippo who actually brings food to Croc!

[Theediscerning]

A bright bit of whimsy, but one that perhaps needed a bit of attack and purpose about it to prove to all that it was a success. It concerns a crocodile, whose job is to ferry animals across the river on its back. But when he wakes up too late for a good breakfast, and when all Plan Bs where that is concerned fall by the wayside, the passengers look a heck of a lot like prey… Yes, this is an obvious example of the benefit of eating brekkie then, but again it needed a bit more – the animals in a more blatant peril, the crocodile's behaviour noticeably changing, something. Three and a half stars, mind.

[Cuppa]

A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast by Colleen Larmour is a fun, fast-paced story that will have readers laughing. Crocodile has a job ferrying passengers along the river. One morning, Crocodile misses breakfast and is distracted by thoughts of the donuts he missed. The hippo who runs the donut place is trying to deliver his breakfast. Will the Hippo be able to get the donuts to Croc before hunger overcomes his judgement? The illustrations are really comical and I love the slime-green color that dominates the pictures. A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast can be a welcome addition to story time.

[Andreea]

5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I absolutely loved this book! The illustrations are stunning and fun and the story is hilarious too. I was giggling the whole time while reading this book. And is it just me or was our crocodile vegan? Or at least lactose intolerant because he is definitely using coconut milk - or that was the plan, except he skipped breakfast.

Also, extra points for capybaras!

It's been a while since I enjoyed a picture book so much!

[Susanne]

Thank you to the author, Kids Can Press and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting this review, I am well behind - this is in no way a reflection of my enjoyment of this title!

This children's book looks at what happens when we're in a rush and don't start our day properly - with breakfast. The kids I read this with giggled throughout at the funny illustrations and the way the story developed, particularly once the croc started looking for something to appease his hunger pangs. And the resolution, of a true friend coming to the rescue was perfect - not to mention the capybaras, who are much loved animals in our household.

[Sierra]

Review:

I’d rate this more like a 4.75 for me, but that’s due to my own thoughts on some of the illustrated backgrounds (I wasn’t a fan of the way they looked, which to me is kind of messy). But other than that, I enjoyed the colorful pictures! I also liked the way this story progressed on why a crocodile shouldn’t skip breakfast. It was fun and predictable (for an adult). And I liked the mix of human characteristics (eating donuts/cereal) being mixed in with the animal ones (other animals can look like food).

Summary:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But what can happen when a crocodile misses eating breakfast before going into work?

[Miranda YEUNG]

A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast
by Colleen Larmour

Creative story, direct message to young readers that don’t skip breakfast! The illustration is so lovely and memorable. I love the colors used and the style. At the same time, the young readers can learn other animals in the book too.

The font style is lively, not dull. The wordings and message are also easy to follow. I highly recommend this story book to the young readers and even parents too!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy.

Pub date: June 4, 2024

[Wanderlust Thrillers]

This book is absolutely adorable!! The illustrations were beautiful and kid friendly. My sons loved reading this book with me and has quickly grown to be a part of our nightly routine.

I love the fonts used for the conversations and speech, but found the font of the tex of the book to be a little small - It could simply be a result of the ebook formatting, The text sometimes felt lost among the beautiful illustrations.

The story is funny and related to most every parent, and the giggles that ensued toward the ends were priceless!

[Raisa]

I found myself laughing out loud. The story is original, yet has a very important message to not skip the most important meal of the day even when running late. One day Croc, was running late and could not eat breakfast at home or was unable to stop at his favorite donut shop. Soon all he can think about is food. Relatable for children and adults. I love the tropical fun colors! Definitely give this book a perfect score in originality, illustrations and the plot.


Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review of the book received.

[Amanda Sanders]

Crocodile is late for work and doesn’t have time for breakfast. He runs past the doughnut shop where he could grab a bite and tries to work on an empty stomach. He doesn’t do a good job at work while hungry. Hippo saves the day with doughnuts. My problem with this book is that doughnuts are not a good breakfast. They are fried sugary junk. They give a small surge of energy and then the doughnut eater crashes. The lesson for readers is not to skip breakfast but I feel that eating doughnuts for breakfast isn’t better than skipping.

[pineapple tofu]

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the early riser, Crocodile slept in. As he's in a hurry for his job, he forgets to eat breakfast. And while the local bakery is out of donuts, Crocodile sees his passengers (for the river cruise) as food. Can he get something to eat before it's too late? Laugh out loud, hilarious; this picture book teaches us the meaning behind breakfast. A good moral at the end, and with some donuts, too.

[shey]

A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast was a quit witty read that made myself and my 6 and 10 year old bust out in laughter. It was short and easy enough for my 6 year old to read on her own, but interesting enough to keep my 10 year old involved in the story. I mean hello? Crocodile and donuts where can you go wrong?! My 10 year old commented on how he really enjoyed this illustrators style and use of colors. The "hypnotized" eyes page inspired some "ooohhs."

[Marcus Wolfshire]

A hungry croc saved by donuts.

Croc can't be late for his job as the river ferry and skips breakfast. Donuts is on the way to Croc's work, but unfortunately, Hippo is all out. Croc begins to visualize donuts as he ferries various animals across the river. Will hippo save the day with donuts?

This a humorous, cute story about a Croc missing breakfast. I love the illustrations. A recommended read.

[Alice]

4 stars
I read a digital advanced copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
Vibrant illustrations show crocodile and his day. Crocodile gets up late and skips breakfast, hoping to get some donuts on the way but they are sold out! Unfortunately crocodile, who works as a river ferry for other smaller animals, never get his breakfast and is dangerously daydreaming of having some of his passengers as snacks! Thankfully Hippo has a sprinkled surprise for crocodile.

[Vivitha Maheswaran]

A gorgeously illustrated book about a crocodile who skips breakfast. Engaging and hilarious, this one's a must read.
Even adults skip breakfast, knowing it's not ideal. So I was naturally intrigued by the title. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
What a delightful surprise!
This book effortlessly delivers humour with impact. Kids will be captivated. It's already a hit with mine. Kid approved and mom approved!