A Crocodile's Tale

by José Aruego

A little boy saves a crocodile's life only to have the animal threaten to eat him.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Folklore, Folk Tales, Spanish Literature

Paperback

First published May 1, 1972

About the author

José Aruego was a Filipino children's author, illustrator, and cartoonist known for his lively animal characters and collaborations with Ariane Dewey. Trained originally as a lawyer in the Philippines, he later studied design in New York and became a successful cartoonist for magazines including The New Yorker. He created more than eighty children's books, including Whose Mouse Are You?, Leo the Late Bloomer, and Gregory the Terrible Eater, while also visiting schools to encourage children's creativity and drawing.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Juan comes across a crocodile tied to a tree, the captive animal promises the young boy a gold ring as a reward, if he will free him from his predicament. But once they are out on the river, the crocodile threatens to eat his erstwhile savior. Clever Juan asks an old basket, an abandoned hat, and a clever monkey if this is fair, hoping to outwit and escape the crocodile.

When I came across this Philippine folk story at the library, and saw that it was written and illustrated by the same team who worked with Joseph Bruchac on such picture-books as Raccoon's Last Race and How Chipmunk Got His Stripes , I immediately picked it up. A cautionary tale that warns of trusting to the gratitude of others, it is a fun little story, with colorful, cartoon-like illustrations. Published in 1972, it does feel a little dated, but readers interested in Philippine folklore will want to take a look at it regardless.

[Caitlyn Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not really sure how I feel about this book. I thought it was interesting since it was an older tell, but it was kind of hard to follow along with.

[Jeani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this because the boy gives him opportunities to change but when that doesn't work he leaves him behind and moves on with a new friend. I think this is a good lesson in dealing with people.

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book sleeve says its a story about gratitude....I would say its about being fair and keeping your word.
A little boy offers his assistance to a trapped alligator...the alligator offers him a gold ring in exchange for his freedom. The boy frees the alligator and hops on his back to go fetch the ring only to find out that the alligator has tricked him. There is no ring and the alligator intends to eat the boy.
Cute story.
Cute colorful illustrations.
Appropriate for all ages. (no one gets eaten)

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crocodile’s Tale, is a folk talk about a young boy helping a crocodile, but the crocodile tries to eat the boy. The boy escapes with the help of a monkey. This book would be a great way to teach gratitude and helping others. Have students think of ways to help others. Then have the students write down one of their good deeds every day.

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy says: A classic Philippine folk tale about a clever boy who outsmarts a hungry crocoldile with the help of a clever monkey. Includes a good lesson about gratitude.

[Jovanna Ting · Rating 3 out of 5]

as my lecture homework....

[Admin Ew · Rating 3 out of 5]

still ok

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pair with Counting Crocodiles by Sierra.

[Alison Strumbeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on Philippine folklore fable, had little plot, illogical progression of events and weak illustrations.