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The Reptile Club
There are lots of clubs for Rory to join at his new school, but none seem quite right for him. So when his parents suggest he start his own club about something he loves, Rory knows exactly what it will be: a Reptile Club! He's positive that there are other kids out there who share his passion. He sets up his first meeting and then waits and waits for students to show up. Just as he is about to give up, Rory hears whispering in the hallway and hurries over to see who it is. To his astonishment, it's not his schoolmates who have arrived to attend the first meeting, but a crocodile, an anaconda and a gecko!
Popular, award-winning author Maureen Fergus's playful picture book is perfect for story time, with its laugh-out-loud appeal and clever twist on the meaning of ?Reptile Club.? Loads of intriguing reptile facts are tucked into the story (for example, a gecko has to lick its eyeballs to keep them clean and moist!), making this an excellent choice for a life science lesson on the characteristics of reptiles. The details in Elina Ellis's lively, colorful illustrations encourage children to spend time examining each page. This is also a terrific book for a character education discussion about initiative, or for lessons on personal development and confidently pursuing one's own passions.
Popular, award-winning author Maureen Fergus's playful picture book is perfect for story time, with its laugh-out-loud appeal and clever twist on the meaning of ?Reptile Club.? Loads of intriguing reptile facts are tucked into the story (for example, a gecko has to lick its eyeballs to keep them clean and moist!), making this an excellent choice for a life science lesson on the characteristics of reptiles. The details in Elina Ellis's lively, colorful illustrations encourage children to spend time examining each page. This is also a terrific book for a character education discussion about initiative, or for lessons on personal development and confidently pursuing one's own passions.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 4, 2018
3 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Fergus
32 books124 followersAuthor also writes as M.L. Fergus
Maureen Fergus's books for young people have been translated into more than a dozen languages, optioned for film and adapted for stage. They've been shortlisted and won many regional, national and international awards. Maureen also writes epic romantasy novels for older readers under the name M.L.Fergus. In addition to being a writer, Maureen has degrees in science and business, and she has held senior management positions in the aerospace, biopharmaceutical and financial services industries. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada with her family.
Maureen Fergus's books for young people have been translated into more than a dozen languages, optioned for film and adapted for stage. They've been shortlisted and won many regional, national and international awards. Maureen also writes epic romantasy novels for older readers under the name M.L.Fergus. In addition to being a writer, Maureen has degrees in science and business, and she has held senior management positions in the aerospace, biopharmaceutical and financial services industries. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 7, 2018
At Rory's school, there are lots of clubs to go to, none of which seemed like something he'd enjoy. Neither the Prancing Unicorn or Astronauts club appeal to him.
Rory's parents suggest that he make his own club. I like the idea of ingenuity of starting your own club and taking things into your own hands.
It's so cute to see how Rory tries his best to attract people to the club. Rory has the determination to see it through and recruit fellow lizard lovers.
Things really get cool when real reptiles join Rory's club! The book also teaches reptile facts indirectly, and even Rory chips in on some facts about himself.
I love the humour in this book! The relationship between the reptiles and Rory is so sweet. Many others begin to join the club. They buy a cactus as a pet. Such a sweet little book! One day, the reptiles must leave. It's quite sad, and teaches kids that some friendships are fleeting but still powerful.
The illustrations are scratchy and child like but also homely and attractive.
This is a craftily illustrated children's book with a lot of imagination and even more heart, but it could have included warnings against more dangerous reptiles like crocodiles or snakes.
Rory and friends decide that once the reptiles had left, it was time to start a new club...
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Rory's parents suggest that he make his own club. I like the idea of ingenuity of starting your own club and taking things into your own hands.
It's so cute to see how Rory tries his best to attract people to the club. Rory has the determination to see it through and recruit fellow lizard lovers.
Things really get cool when real reptiles join Rory's club! The book also teaches reptile facts indirectly, and even Rory chips in on some facts about himself.
I love the humour in this book! The relationship between the reptiles and Rory is so sweet. Many others begin to join the club. They buy a cactus as a pet. Such a sweet little book! One day, the reptiles must leave. It's quite sad, and teaches kids that some friendships are fleeting but still powerful.
The illustrations are scratchy and child like but also homely and attractive.
This is a craftily illustrated children's book with a lot of imagination and even more heart, but it could have included warnings against more dangerous reptiles like crocodiles or snakes.
Rory and friends decide that once the reptiles had left, it was time to start a new club...
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 16, 2019
🦎 👁 🦎 👁 🦎
The Reptile Club is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. I found myself laughing out loud and sharing quotes with my husband and smiling inside and out because it’s that kind of book. Rory has bright red hair and big blue glasses and can’t find a school club to suit him. So he starts a Reptile Club, which none of classmates comes to but surprise surprise, draws the sweetest collection of reptiles. They introduce themselves, including the gecko who says he has to lick his eyeballs to keep them moist because he has no eyelids. Readers learn about the various kinds of reptiles and their differences with mammals, and in the end, all Rory’s classmates join the club, even staying when the reptiles leave to hibernate. 5 Enthusiastic Moist Gecko Eyeballs!
Thanks to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my honest opinions.
The Reptile Club is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. I found myself laughing out loud and sharing quotes with my husband and smiling inside and out because it’s that kind of book. Rory has bright red hair and big blue glasses and can’t find a school club to suit him. So he starts a Reptile Club, which none of classmates comes to but surprise surprise, draws the sweetest collection of reptiles. They introduce themselves, including the gecko who says he has to lick his eyeballs to keep them moist because he has no eyelids. Readers learn about the various kinds of reptiles and their differences with mammals, and in the end, all Rory’s classmates join the club, even staying when the reptiles leave to hibernate. 5 Enthusiastic Moist Gecko Eyeballs!
Thanks to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my honest opinions.
July 6, 2018
Rory is a boy who is excited that there are lots of clubs to join in his new school but none that he really wants to join. His parents suggest that he start his own club, something he really likes. He thinks and makes a list until he makes a decision. He will start a Reptile Club! He hands out flyers, brings his plastic reptiles to school and makes lizard-shaped lemon cookies the night before with his dad. When the lunch bells rings on Friday Rory is raring to go, but now kids show up. Just as he is ready to give up, three members show up at the door, but not what or who Rory was expecting.
Maureen Fergus does a great job with this book. My grandson loved the story, especially the characters and the illustrations. He kept asking what the various reptiles were called. Throughout the book there were various reptile facts integrated into the story. I think children will learn things about reptiles without even realizing it. The illustrations are detailed, colourful, kid-friendly and engaging. They add interest to the story and we had a lot of discussions about what we were looking at. This was a great book that will be enjoyed by children whether they love reptiles or not. A wonderful addition to home, classroom, school or public libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Maureen Fergus does a great job with this book. My grandson loved the story, especially the characters and the illustrations. He kept asking what the various reptiles were called. Throughout the book there were various reptile facts integrated into the story. I think children will learn things about reptiles without even realizing it. The illustrations are detailed, colourful, kid-friendly and engaging. They add interest to the story and we had a lot of discussions about what we were looking at. This was a great book that will be enjoyed by children whether they love reptiles or not. A wonderful addition to home, classroom, school or public libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 4, 2018
As an avid reptile lover (I have 4 pet snakes), I loved this cute story! It encourages children to be intrigued by reptiles instead of afraid of them. And it ensures you know that spiders are not reptiles! Even though so many people think of them all as 'creepy animals'.
What's most adorable about this book is easily the ending. Who doesn't love dinosaurs?!
We always want to encourage children to not be afraid of reptiles but we should also teach them to be careful of any animal. I would have liked a page on the warning signs from the reptiles. The back-off 'hiss' from a snake, the defensive 'snap' of the crocodile and the scared 'squeal' of a gecko.
I think that in places where there are not a lot of venomous or dangerous reptiles (ie: NOT Australia and NOT Florida) this is harmless enough to not worry about. But I'd hate for a child to unknowningly try to hang out with a reptile in the wild that could hurt it.
I still easily give this a 4 star rating due to it's cuteness and clear intent to make children interested and love reptiles!
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
What's most adorable about this book is easily the ending. Who doesn't love dinosaurs?!
We always want to encourage children to not be afraid of reptiles but we should also teach them to be careful of any animal. I would have liked a page on the warning signs from the reptiles. The back-off 'hiss' from a snake, the defensive 'snap' of the crocodile and the scared 'squeal' of a gecko.
I think that in places where there are not a lot of venomous or dangerous reptiles (ie: NOT Australia and NOT Florida) this is harmless enough to not worry about. But I'd hate for a child to unknowningly try to hang out with a reptile in the wild that could hurt it.
I still easily give this a 4 star rating due to it's cuteness and clear intent to make children interested and love reptiles!
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
November 13, 2018
When he can't find the right club at his new school, Rory decides to take his father's advice and start his own: The Reptile Club. On the first day Raoul the crocodile, Miriam the anaconda and Pierre the gecko show up, and soon Rory's club is the most popular in the school. Reptiles and mammals get along just fine, until the coming of winter leads to an inevitable parting. Is this the end, or does Rory have something else up his sleeve...?
An entertaining tale from Canadian author Maureen Fergus is paired with colorful, amusing artwork from British illustrator Elina Ellis in The Reptile Club, which offers a fun new take on a classic childhood activity: joining a new club. I appreciated the little bits of information that Fergus managed to work into her story, all without ever sounding educational, and thought that the illustrations really accentuated the humor. Recommended to young reptile lovers, and to anyone looking for amusing new picture-book adventures.
An entertaining tale from Canadian author Maureen Fergus is paired with colorful, amusing artwork from British illustrator Elina Ellis in The Reptile Club, which offers a fun new take on a classic childhood activity: joining a new club. I appreciated the little bits of information that Fergus managed to work into her story, all without ever sounding educational, and thought that the illustrations really accentuated the humor. Recommended to young reptile lovers, and to anyone looking for amusing new picture-book adventures.
June 4, 2018
Funny and instructive. This is a book about frienship and reptile. We learn a bit about those reptiles, we laught too and we have fun reading a good story. Well done!
June 25, 2018
Rory is an adorable little character who discovers there are lots of clubs to join in his brand new school but none lure him in. He talks about his problem to his parents and they suggest that perhaps he should start his own club. His dad advises him to make it about something he loves. Mmmmmm...
He is very passionate about reptiles so... a Reptile Club it is! He prints off flyers to get the word out and he and his dad bake lizard-shaped lemon cookies the night before to hand out to the club members. Oh boy, he'll get lots of kids now.
When the lunch bells rings on Friday Rory is raring to go.... but alas no fellow reptile enthusiasts arrive to join. Oh no! How can you have a club with no people? Then just as he was about to give up he hears whispering in the hall and with heart thumping he runs to the door to see what's happening on the other side. He gets the surprise of his life! He comes face-to-face with a crocodile, an anaconda, and a gecko. They are Rory's first new members! What a delightful surprise.
Maureen Fergus is an award-winning author who spins the magical tale. I love books that offer a clever twist and a play on words to catch the reader off guard. So fun. Throughout the book she weaves reptile facts such as: Raoul the crocodile sweats through his mouth, Miriam the anaconda weighs 514 pounds and can gulp a human down in one bite, and Pierre the gecko has no eyelids so he licks his eyeballs to keep them clean and moist. Who knew? Kids will love learning about these fascinating critters.
The illustrations are amazing. They are detailed, colourful, kid-friendly and engaging. They pull the reader right into the story and enrich the text perfectly. "The Reptile Club" is a delightful, inspiring book that encourages kids to confidently step out on their own and initiate the things that they are passionate about to others. I love the book and highly recommend it.
He is very passionate about reptiles so... a Reptile Club it is! He prints off flyers to get the word out and he and his dad bake lizard-shaped lemon cookies the night before to hand out to the club members. Oh boy, he'll get lots of kids now.
When the lunch bells rings on Friday Rory is raring to go.... but alas no fellow reptile enthusiasts arrive to join. Oh no! How can you have a club with no people? Then just as he was about to give up he hears whispering in the hall and with heart thumping he runs to the door to see what's happening on the other side. He gets the surprise of his life! He comes face-to-face with a crocodile, an anaconda, and a gecko. They are Rory's first new members! What a delightful surprise.
Maureen Fergus is an award-winning author who spins the magical tale. I love books that offer a clever twist and a play on words to catch the reader off guard. So fun. Throughout the book she weaves reptile facts such as: Raoul the crocodile sweats through his mouth, Miriam the anaconda weighs 514 pounds and can gulp a human down in one bite, and Pierre the gecko has no eyelids so he licks his eyeballs to keep them clean and moist. Who knew? Kids will love learning about these fascinating critters.
The illustrations are amazing. They are detailed, colourful, kid-friendly and engaging. They pull the reader right into the story and enrich the text perfectly. "The Reptile Club" is a delightful, inspiring book that encourages kids to confidently step out on their own and initiate the things that they are passionate about to others. I love the book and highly recommend it.
March 28, 2021
Reading stacks of library holds on this blustery day, (yippee!) & one #kidlit gem I discovered is 2018’s The Reptile Club! I want to squeeze this adorable picture book, even if it is full of snakes, crocodiles, & geckos! Ordering it ASAP!
October 12, 2018
An adorable read about Rory who can't find a club to join at school so he makes his own: a reptile club.
Read
May 19, 2020just looking for a book w snakes to get for my nephew. would have liked a better ending but whatever he can't complain bc he can't speak
March 8, 2020
This book is really quite funny for the adult reader. And it’s got sneak attack facts throughout the story, which Kait loves because she is studying reptiles at schooo right now.
July 19, 2018
Rory wants a new club, because none of the other clubs at his new school are quite right for him, so he forms a reptile club, but none of his friends are interested in joining. Never the less, it is a great success, because reptiles are interested, and Rory loves reptiles, so ti works out quite well.
Of course, when his friends find out how much fun he is having with the reptiles, they want to hang out at the club as well.
Lovely story of making your own joy, your own path, when there isn't one to follow.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Of course, when his friends find out how much fun he is having with the reptiles, they want to hang out at the club as well.
Lovely story of making your own joy, your own path, when there isn't one to follow.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 2, 2018
Rory doesn’t find any club at his new school that quite matches his passions, so he starts his own club. The Reptile Club doesn’t get many members at first but the ones that do come are memorable and Rory really enjoys getting to know them. Those first members begin to attract more members to the club, and eventually Rory finds himself with many friends with similar interests.
I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the identities of the first members of Rory’s club. Their stories were most entertaining and full of fun reptile tidbits. I was a little confused as to why those first members had to say goodbye forever? The message on keeping your club membership open and not getting prejudiced or unwelcoming is nice, even if it did feel a teensy bit like it was just thrown in there suddenly. On the whole, this is a cute story about a kid not being afraid to take a risk, try something new, and being rewarded with like-minded friends. Recommended for reptile lovers, fans of slightly unexpected and amazing stories, and kids starting a new school.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the identities of the first members of Rory’s club. Their stories were most entertaining and full of fun reptile tidbits. I was a little confused as to why those first members had to say goodbye forever? The message on keeping your club membership open and not getting prejudiced or unwelcoming is nice, even if it did feel a teensy bit like it was just thrown in there suddenly. On the whole, this is a cute story about a kid not being afraid to take a risk, try something new, and being rewarded with like-minded friends. Recommended for reptile lovers, fans of slightly unexpected and amazing stories, and kids starting a new school.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2018
"It wasn't nice to be prejudiced against others just because they had hair and could regulate their body temperature."**
None of the clubs at school interest Rory, so, at the advice of his father, Rory starts his own club: The Reptile Club. It looks like no one is going to show up, until Raoul (a crocodile), Miriam (an anaconda) and Pierre (a gecko) knock on the door. When Rory's classmates return and see "what the club is all about", they can't wait to join. But what will happen when the reptiles have to hibernate?
**Quote taken from an Advanced Readers Copy
None of the clubs at school interest Rory, so, at the advice of his father, Rory starts his own club: The Reptile Club. It looks like no one is going to show up, until Raoul (a crocodile), Miriam (an anaconda) and Pierre (a gecko) knock on the door. When Rory's classmates return and see "what the club is all about", they can't wait to join. But what will happen when the reptiles have to hibernate?
**Quote taken from an Advanced Readers Copy
March 25, 2023
Reading this took me back to my elementary school years where I would sit on the floor of the library with my classmates while the librarian read books to us and displayed the pictures on the projector screen.
It is a wonderful story of acceptance for Rory and discovering new things. I especially liked that the author chose to include random reptile facts into their story for the reader. It is a great way to spark children's curiosity.
Even though my storytime kids are mostly three year olds, I am going to be adding this book to my upcoming reptile themed storytime event.
It is a wonderful story of acceptance for Rory and discovering new things. I especially liked that the author chose to include random reptile facts into their story for the reader. It is a great way to spark children's curiosity.
Even though my storytime kids are mostly three year olds, I am going to be adding this book to my upcoming reptile themed storytime event.
picture-books
January 16, 2025Date: 11.15.24
Attendees
Theme: Lizards (Sketch’s Birthday)
Introduction and announcements: Well Hello Everybody
Book one: If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley
Song/rhyme/game one: 5 Little Lizards
Book two: The Reptile Club by Fergus Maureen
Song/rhyme/game two: The Wiggle Dance by Danny Go!
Book three: Amazing Animals: Geckos by Kate Riggs
Announcements: Sketch’s Birthday Party Today, Games and Goodie Bags
Activity: Coloring Sheets, Giant Birthday Card, Party Games
Attendees
Theme: Lizards (Sketch’s Birthday)
Introduction and announcements: Well Hello Everybody
Book one: If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley
Song/rhyme/game one: 5 Little Lizards
Book two: The Reptile Club by Fergus Maureen
Song/rhyme/game two: The Wiggle Dance by Danny Go!
Book three: Amazing Animals: Geckos by Kate Riggs
Announcements: Sketch’s Birthday Party Today, Games and Goodie Bags
Activity: Coloring Sheets, Giant Birthday Card, Party Games
June 5, 2018
Rory starts up a Reptile Club one school lunchtime, and that's what he gets – three reptiles, each with their own unique quirks, coming through the door wanting to be members. No, this isn't a lesson in being careful what you wish for, but a nudge towards being open about your interests, and making friends with those who share them with you. And it's a very good nudge, well written and well illustrated (well, what would they all play but snakes and ladders?!).
August 25, 2018
"The Reptile Club" is fiction, but the author managed to work in some interesting reptile facts. The way the author worked in the facts was very subtle and the facts fit in perfectly with the story. In the story, Rory can not find a club to join so he starts his own. His passion is reptiles so he starts a reptile club. The first members to show up are a crocodile, an anaconda, and a gecko. The story is wild and fun and so is the ending.
October 29, 2018
Rory wants to join a club but nothing at the school seems to be his thing. So his father encourages him to start his own club: The Reptile Club. Rory is all ready for the first club meeting. He has cookies and his plastic reptile collection. He waits. And waits. None of his classmates come. Rory is very disappointed...until some surprise visitors come. This cute picture books shares a few simple facts about reptiles in a charming way. Reptile fans will enjoy it.
December 24, 2019
Cute, funny, great diversity in the illustrations in terms of race and gender (the kid in the knitting club is a boy, there are girls in the math club). Rory starts a reptile club, hoping other kids who love reptiles will show up, but there is a misunderstanding and actual reptiles show up. Would use.
October 9, 2018
None of the clubs at school appeals to Rory. Ballet club - no, Knitting club - no, Prancing Unicorn club - certainly not. So, he starts his own club with a rousing success. There’s a little herebout perseverance, inclusiveness and friendship.
Enjoyable!
Enjoyable!
November 23, 2018
Very clever! Kids 3 and up will enjoy this story! Poor little Rory can't find a club to join as school, so he starts his own- a reptile club-- and the reptiles come! Then his classmates join up and fun ensues!
The story is pretty hilarious and I loved the illustrations! Just so much fun!
The story is pretty hilarious and I loved the illustrations! Just so much fun!
December 18, 2018
This seemed more intended to sneakily teach kids reptile facts than to present a story. But the facts were interesting, and often entertaining in the way they were expressed (if not a little forced). And the pictures were fun.
November 9, 2020
My kids adore this book. I love that Rory is encouraged to express and pursue his own interests and in doing so inspires others. The story effortlessly reveals cool facts and information about reptiles in a way that is fun, engaging, and memorable.
July 22, 2018
Kid starts reptile club, attracts reptiles (fun facts woven in), makes friends.
September 2, 2018
New school reptile club attracts lots of members and reptiles.
September 13, 2018
cute, funny, great message!
October 26, 2018
This one made me LOL! A young child starts a reptile club at school and fun happens.
November 9, 2018
Rory wants to start his own club at school. But nobody joins. Then he gets 3 new unexpected members.
December 8, 2018
“It’s a cute, funny and imaginative book about a boy who starts a reptile club at school and has some surprise members who come to join!” – Jill at KDL’s Service Center
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews