Egad Alligator!

by Harriet Ziefert, Todd McKie (Illustrator)

His brother might be tired, but Little Gator sure isn’t. He wants to go exploring. So while his brother rests on the banks of the mangrove swamp, Little Gator swims off in search of new friends. On his journey he encounters all kinds of creatures, but when he tries to introduce himself, they all run away shouting, “Egad Alligator!” Feeling discouraged, Little Gator wonders how he can make friends when everyone is afraid of him. Tired and lonely, he tries to find a place to rest, but Little Gator soon discovers that he too can be frightened.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Animals, Childrens, Kids

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 2002

About the author

Harriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.

For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.

"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.

Reviews

[Chance Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alligator goes for a walk and finds himself in danger because people are frightened of him. It's a weird story, with the threat of violence constantly looming. The danger of death is in contrast to the cute, minimalist illustrations. The title, "Egad Alligator!" is only shouted twice, missing the opportunity for fun repetition.

Storytime: The kids seemed engaged.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty fun to read out loud to Julia. I don't know that she'd have liked it as much reading it herself. It seems like the voice inflections really make the story with this one.
The text is little more than minimal and very bare but fun to read through and the illustrations are big and bright.
There's a little surprise in the middle of the book that got Julia giggling. I doubt I'd remember this enough to ever recommend it but it's certainly not a waste of time if someone happens to come upon it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story time September 2017---The text is very minimal so the toddlers at outreach enjoyed this one, but not the most entertaining for older children.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes people have preconceived notions about us and the efforts we make aren't successful at conveying our real intent, but instead feeds their mistaken concept of us. This alligator finds that.

* Talking Points: Why do people have prejudices? How can prejudices be overcome? Can past bad behaviors of others make it easier for you to be seen as your true self? How do you feel about how alligator is treated? How would you treat an alligator? If people don't understand your true intentions, who's fault is that?

** Essential Oil Tips - If you are being misunderstood, try some of doTERRA's bergamot (the Oil of self love) of some of doTERRA's Console or Forgive essential oils blends to help support you while you are working through the issue and trying to make things better.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sparse text and bright illustrations, there isn't much to this story. Illustrations are good enough that it could be used as filler for a toddler story time on alligators or animals. (PreK would be a stretch but doable if the reader is good with voices.)

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Little Gator goes exploring and unintentionally frightens people and animals until someone scares him.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

while is brother sleeps little gator goes exploring and meets people, snakes and all kinds of things. Everyone has a different reaction to seeing the alligator. He has positive and negative experiences. A little long preschool only.

[Emily Matview · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art here is very minimal. It reminds me a lot of the art on "The Life & Times of Tim."

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a book that leads to herds of storytime children anachronistically screaming, "Egad!"?? :)

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read of children.

[Jrbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Egad Alligator was a great book.