Akimbo and the Crocodile Man

Akimbo #2

by Alexander McCall Smith, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)

When a visiting croc expert invites Akimbo along on a field study, Akimbo is thrilled. But when the crocodiles attack the guide, injuring him gravely, it will be up to Akimbo to cross a crocodile-infested river and jump start a truck to bring back help. A rousing new Akimbo adventure from bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. Ages 7 to 9.Book HardcoverPublication 4/4/2006 80Reading Age 7 and Up

Genres: Africa, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Adventure, Chapter Books, Middle Grade

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Reviews

[Moonkiszt]

As a fan of Alexander McCall Smith, I thought I'd try on his Akimbo series for potential reads with my grandkids. . .I think they might be a palate chaser for some of the other books we are reading. This one is the third in the series.

Akimbo is a bright, clever, willing to be led boy, working with a zoologist who is tracking crocodiles - for peaceful purposes. He's shared his scars with Akimbo, showing his paid the price for admission, but also his larger spirit in continuing to advocate for his biting subjects. Akimbo proves to be a worthy acolyte, and grand problem solver in a pinch.

I think my grandson, in particular, will be intrigued.

[Carol Jones-Campbell]

Although this book is described as being for the 4-8 year-old group, it seemed to me more like a 7-9 year-old book that might well appeal more to boys than to girls (based on having had two of each in our family) due to some of the lesser good aspects.

I was attracted to the book by realizing that the various animal-related stories that Alexander McCall Smith includes in his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books were among my favorite parts of those books. It occurred to me that the Akimbo books might have such stories in them.

Well, not quite . . . but the series is full of Akimbo learning about wild animals, the threats to animals from people, and deals with the problems through Akimbo's brave deeds. Children like to see themselves playing important roles in the world, and Akimbo and the Crocodile Man is very good for appealing to that desire.

Akimbo's father works as a ranger at a game preserve in Africa where he is visited by a scientist studying crocodiles. Akimbo is allowed to go on the trek and plays an important role when the scientist is injured. Younger children by parents as well. The book is a wonderful story of another adventure in finding the solution to his dilemnas.

In this Akimbo book, Smith brings us an Akimbo wizened by age and adventure. Here Akimbo wishes to accompany the crocodile man who is tagging baby crocodiles in order to study survival rate in that part of the jungle. Most baby crocodiles become meals for other larger animals, and there was an interest to observe the number that survived to adulthood.

On the journey, the Crocodile Man, John, actually does get attacked by a crocodile and his leg is hurt. Akimbo has to figure out a way to get his friend to hospital soon or he will bleed to death. This is where Akimbo applies his innovative talent. Perhaps Smith goes a bit further than can be expected, but Akimbo is an extraordinary boy.

As always, Akimbo works for that which is right in human society. It is right to help a friend if they are hurt. It may even be a cause to break rules especially if it will save a life and not endanger any other life. This is the crux of Smith's message. Akimbo follows his instincts about what is right and wrong and uses his imagination and creativity and finds the needed solutions to his dilemmas. This book is a hoot. Highly recommend. Enjoy!!!

Alexander McCall Smith began the now highly successful 'No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' series in 1996, after being inspired by the sight of a 'traditionally built' Botswanan lady chasing down a chicken for a meal. The first book in the series - 'The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' was published in the UK in 1998 but didn't arrive in the USA until 2001.

Known to his friends as Sandy, McCall Smith describes the Botswanans as 'genuinely courteous people' He knows Botswana well as he grew up there and also spent several years on the law faculty of the University of Botswana; his volume on the legal system of Botswana (The Criminal Law of Botswana) remains the definitive and in fact, only book on the subject.

[Rachel]

3.5 stars: This Akimbo book was the most exciting of the three we read. In this Akimbo helps a crocodile expert observe crocodiles for research. The man is injured by a crocodile and Akimbo has to go for help, which includes a short swim in crocodile-infested waters. The story was very exciting but might be too much for some sensitive, younger readers.

[Kesha]

A quick read with a predictable plot, but reluctant readers would generate a love for reading using this series.

[Melissa (Always Behind)]

Akimbo, a young African boy, is excited when John the “crocodile man” comes to visit his family. Not only has John written books about crocodiles, he has a huge scar where one bit him. John is in the area to find crocodile eggs, wait for them to hatch, and then tag them to see how many will survive the first year of life. Akimbo is thrilled when John invites him along to watch them tag the crocodiles.

Akimbo soon learns how dangerous this task will be. He learns how to find the crocodiles, how to capture and tag them. But when John gets into trouble, does Akimbo have the skills to help?

Akimbo and the Crocodile Man is an exciting adventure for young readers. The review copy I received didn’t have illustrations, yet my seven-year-old son was intrigued from start to finish. He would read the chapter titles and beg for another chapter. Akimbo’s adventures will transport readers to another place. The descriptions are incredibly detailed and allow readers to picture the hot African setting and fierce crocodiles. Akimbo is brave and makes wise decisions. He cares about the animals and the people around him. If you’re looking for a fun action story for young readers, this is an excellent choice.

[Laura Fan]

This is an adventure book. The two people in it are very different from each other. I like how Akimbo is curious to learn how things happen. He wanted to know how a guy became someone who studied crocodiles. Akimbo is ready to help whenever he can and I like that. He has the bravery to cross over a river with crocodiles in it to get help when it was important. The crocodile man likes to joke a lot and is kind and friendly. I think that's a good role model. I like Akimbo because he's curious, brave and quick to act in the right way. - age 9

[Ellie L]

A lovely read about a boy named Akimbo, who goes on little adventures to investigate local crocodiles with his expert friend named John the Crocodile Man. Here, Akimbo learns that he has to be brave and resourceful when faced with an emergency, regardless of dangers. Whilst not the most challenging book, the elements of adventure and dangers could really intrigue readers with a taste for risks and the unknown, and the story is pacy enough for those beginning to read independently.

[Sue]

In this installment, John, a man who studies crocodiles, comes to the Reserve to tag and study a group freshly hatched and be able to return months later. Akimbo gets permission to join him. When John is attacked, it's up to Akimbo to get help.
Some interesting facts about Crocodiles. Rather simple story flow but enjoyable.

[Cheryl]

Listened. I know from the other two I listened t that Akimbo is smart & brave, and is allowed considerable freedom, and has a lot of luck, but I think this one was over the top.

I will continue to listen to the series, and to look for at least one in paper to see the illustrations. But gosh I hope they're more plausible than this.

[Syrdarya]

A family friend named John comes to visit, and Akimbo is impressed because John is a crocodile expert and has a project with with Akimbo can assist him. This is a very nice adventure story which taught me a bit about crocodiles.

I will definitely read the other Akimbo books!

[M]

A cool continuation of the Akimbo book series. Akimbo is the son of a game preserve ranger who lives in Africa and he goes on adventures, the majority of which involve saving and rescuing animals and learning valuable life lessons.

[Kristi]

Alexander McCall Smith writes so clevely about Bertie in 44 Scotland Street that I thought I would try one of his children's books to see if they would be as delightful as the books for adults. Sorry to say it was a pretty mundane story with none of the Smith pizzazz. Kristi & Abby Tabby

[Cheryl]

A nice little book about crocodiles and nature and Africa and being responsible.

[Fritzov]

As a children's book this is a good one.

[Maren]

Read aloud to my 7-year-old. Great realistic adventure story. When we finished I had to assure him that crocodiles don’t live in our city’s river.

[Ntebogeng Archer]

A boy (like us), living a life of adventure with animals out in the African open. Not as fun as the other two books, but still full of enough adventure. It was educational and the kids loved this.

[Kylie]

Another good book with gentle adventure for younger readers. Added bonus of bringing in the element of a different culture and country to the standard setting for books like these.

[Kristin Thomas]

Loved this book and audiobook! I was in Africa in 2017 and this story just brought my back to that trip! I would love to read more of these books.

[Hannah]

Sweet book with light action.

[Deborah]

Both my 4 year old granson and I enjoyed this book!

[Heidi_2811]

Hyvä lyhyt, tiivis, jännittävä ja mielenkiintoinen tarina. Kaunis kuvitus. Varmasti lapsille sopivan pituinen.

[Edward Ritchie]

Great story and Akimbo’s a genuine hero.

[Vonprice]

Great book for reluctant readers.

See full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....

[Books Kids Like]

When a crocodile expert comes to the reserve to study the survival rate for new crocodile hatchlings, Akimbo volunteers to go and his father reluctantly agrees. The group captures a mother crocodile in a net and clips a tag to her tail. The next day, the baby crocodiles emerge from their eggs. They never see the mother, but John assures them that she is close by watching. The day after this, John and Akimbo go upriver to the sandbank where the hatching took place. Akimbo gets out to explore, but he hasn’t gone very far when he hears John cry out. Back at the river, he sees John wrestling with a full-grown crocodile. The croc leaves after Akimbo hits him with the boat paddle. With John’s leg badly injured, Akimbo knows he must go for help.

[Dolly]

This is the second book in the Akimbo series by Alexander McCall Smith, but the first we've read. I'd never heard of these stories before, but I thought we'd enjoy them.

The narrative is quite short, but for some reason, we only read a chapter or two each night. I think we were just too busy with family in town to do any serious reading. Still, the story is engaging and the black and white illustrations really complement the narrative. We enjoyed reading this book together.

[M.]

Part of a new series by Alexander McCall Smith. Akimbo is the son of a gamekeeper on an African game preserve. In this book, Akimbo has an adventure with a crocodile naturalist and some wild crocodiles while the naturalist is trying to tag a mother croc and her babies. Exotic setting for a 2nd grade reader and many boys would probably enjoy this book.

[Gill]

Another lovely Akimbo story that will be passed onto my nephews who happen to live at Alligator Creek, Australia. AMS is not mealy-mouthed when it comes to describing dangerous situations. A really good, fast read (started last night finished this morning) with plenty to interest a parent reading it, or just someone who enjoys all his writing.

[April Hochstrasser]

Great writing for that early chapter book phase, about 3rd grade level. It keeps the interest of children and adults alike as Akimbo goes off to "observe" the crocodiles. Written by the man who brought us the Ladies Number 1 Detective Agency, this is a series of kids books (mid to late elementary school). I would recommend it to anyone over age 6.

[Suvi]

Akimbo ja krokotiilimies

Aika lailla jännittävä tarina krokotiileista. Akimbo pääsee krokotiilimies-Johnin mukaan tutkimaan krokotiileja. Sattuu kuitenkin onnettomuus krokotiilien kanssa, ja Akimbon on pelastettava John keinolla millä hyvänsä.

Ei voi suositella kaikkein herkimmille pienille lukijoille, mutta Akimbo-sarja on kyllä hyvä vinkkaukseen.

[Arja-täti]

Selkeää vinkkauskamaa. Eläinromskuja lapsille kyllä on, mutta usein kaipaan jotain todellisempaa kuin vain heppahöperyyttä vai pientä marsua. Joten tämä sarja on mukana kolmasluokkalaisten vinkkauksessa. Ehkä myös kakkosilla kevätpuolella, kun lukeminen sujuu paremmin. Tykkään kovasti.