A Crocodile's Tale: A Philippine Folk Story

by José Aruego, Ariane 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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1972

About the author

Jose Aruego's books for young readers have earned the applause of critics, teachers, librarians, and parents -- as well as the affection of children everywhere. Mr. Aruego's comic animals are immediately recognizable as they cavort through clear, vibrant landscapes, carrying out the action that the simple text has set in motion. It is a style one reviewer has termed illustrative mime.

Jose Aruego was born in the Philippines, where he studied law and became a member of the Bar. But after practicing briefly, he decided to come to the United States to study graphic arts and advertising at Parsons School of Design in New York City. After graduation, he worked in adver-tising before taking up the demanding job of cartooning for The Saturday Evening Post, The New Yorker, Look, and other magazines. Every Wednesday I would go to the cartoon editor with fifteen or sixteen drawings in hand, from which he might select one for publication. The tension was terrible, because selling cartoons was how I made my living. But I learned a lot from the rejected work, so it wasn't a waste.

The sink-or-swim experience of drawing cartoons was how I learned to make the most of a small amount of space. Both abilities have helped him in his career as a children's book author and illustrator, which he began with the publication of The King and His Friends in 1969.

Although he is known for his amusing characters, Jose Aruego takes writing and drawing for children very seriously. After more than three dozen books he feels he is still learning his craft and getting to know his audience. Each project teaches me something new and makes mea better artist. Each book brings me closer to children. From the popularity and appeal of Jose Aruego's books, it is obvious that he has both the artistic skill and the imagination to reach the world of children. His work has a distinctive rhythm, and his humorous animal characters have a gaiety and playfulness that children adore.

I have found from making appearances at schools that when kids draw for themselves, most of them like to make funny pictures. So I show them how to draw an alligator. It's a simple drawing and the teachers tell me that after my visit, Aruego alligators show up all over the school.

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.