Croc & Gator 1: Swamp Ranger School

by Lisa Katzenberger

The series launch of the Croc and Gator chapter book series, following the adventures of no-nonsense Croc and goofball Gator as junior rangers in their hometown swamp. Printed entirely in green ink, these fun STEM-filled books are perfect for InvestiGators fans.

Croc and Gator could not be more different, but the one thing they have in common is the love of their swamp. And now they are old enough to train as junior Swamp Rangers! They can’t wait to learn about all the swamp’s plants and animals, and how to protect them.

When outgoing Gator and reclusive Croc are paired up, neither is sure about the other. But it turns out that their differences help them ace their tests and reward them training certificates to become the best Swamp Rangers!

This great buddy series pairs two animals that kids LOVE. In their challenge to become junior rangers, Croc and Gator will need to be courageous and brave little reptiles, as they explore their swamp and prepare to protect everyone in community. With each story, readers will train alongside Croc and Gator, as they gain more experience and get badges along the way. The books will have back matter to support the theme of each story.

Genres: Animals, Friendship, Conservation

112 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

With its green font color and unique setting in the swamp, this series has plenty of kid appeal. While Croc and Gator should have plenty of things in common, their personalities are quite different. The two meet and pair up for projects at Swamp Ranger School where they're learning to be junior rangers. Gator is friendly, outgoing, and likes to joke around while Croc is quiet, serious, and bound by rules. But as the plot unfolds, both of them are able to make some compromises, stretch a little but still stay true to their unique personalities. Some readers will be entertained by Croc's disinterest in the first-day getting-to-know-you activities presented by Ms. Egret and his focus on just getting through the questions while Gator loves embellishing his responses. The story provides an important message about learning to appreciate others who are not the same as others while also encouraging youngsters to take action to save habitats like the swamp. The artwork adds personality and charm to the story, and the text cunningly offers tidbits of information about different species and swamps amid the narrative.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story, about learning to appreciate introverts, was good, very nicely handled. I checked – there is one place on earth where alligators and crocodiles live together and it is the Florida Everglades. The focus of Swamp Ranger School is learning about how to be a JR Ranger to care for the wetlands, so some good information about wetlands like which plants and animals live there. I was frustrated that there wasn’t more made of the learning they do at Ranger School; alligators are the architects of the swamp and that wasn’t mentioned, but maybe I am asking for vocabulary beyond what’s possible in an early chapter book. And there was an episode apparently involving a squirrel -- but the squirrel never made an appearance. So, fun with a good amount of learning involved. Hope future editions of the series include more about wetland ecology.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun nature-themed book on a budding friendship between Croc and Gator. Croc is a bit reserved and likes to follow rules while Gator is a bit over the top with energy. Through Swamp Ranger School they find they have more in common than they thought and learn how to protect the swamp they love in the process. Perfect for kids who love nature. It's adorable.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the conservation message of this book, and Croc & Gator make for cute little friends. But I thought the pacing of this book was a little slow, and I really didn't like that the text is all printed in neon green -- I think that might really limit some kids from reading this book.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dropping down to 2 stars for the green text (which was tough for *me* to read) and the illustration and description of a family of opossums hanging by their tails. This is a common myth; juvenile animals can do it for a very brief period of time, and adults simply can't, much less sleep that way.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chock full of real Everglades swamp information, this is also the story of an eager, very talkative Gator making friends with a quiet and serious Croc. Can 2 creatures that are polar opposites in many ways be friends anyway?

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first chapter book for new readers. I love the fun green font. One of the two main characters will be relatable for any kid.