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Croc & Turtle

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For fans of Penguin and Pinecone, this adorable new duo will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone.

Meet Croc! He is the strongest and fastest crocodile around.

Meet Turtle! He agrees that Croc is the strongest and fastest.

But what happens when Elephant lifts that heavy rock with ease? And when Cheetah speeds on by?

Croc and Turtle might not be the strongest or the fastest, but they're definitely the best at something even more important . . .

Introducing an utterly charming new duo, this humorous and heartwarming adventure will delight readers of all ages.

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 2019

3 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Mike Wohnoutka

48 books28 followers

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5 stars
49 (16%)
4 stars
145 (50%)
3 stars
90 (31%)
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4 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Deb.
1,575 reviews20 followers
June 21, 2019
I randomly picked up three books from our big pile to read to Alena yesterday and happened to grab two very similar books. This one and the other are both about animals who are sad they aren't the best at one particular thing.

The other book is called Feeling Special. Turtle sees that he's not as good as other animals on one page. You turn the page, Turtle is alone, and it says, "Turtle felt ordinary and sad," every time. This repeats until the ending where he realizes he is special because unlike other animals he is protected from rain in his shell. Ugh. Especially in comparison to this book, it's dark and depressing and lonely.

In this book, Croc lifts rocks, jumps, runs, and does other things that he and Turtle think he does really well until another animal does it better. There are few words said after each discovery, just a discouraged look on Croc's face and a worried look on Turtle's. All along, Turtle is an understanding and encouraging friend. "Yay, go Croc!" he says. The focus is positive and a little humorous. The ending is perfect. "You're the best friend," they both say to each other. It's almost like saying who cares that we're not the best at one thing. They are in it together. The illustrations are fun and light.

Reading the books back to back showed a stark contrast and a lesson. Turtle in the one book is all by himself comparing himself to others. This book shows friends are great! They can encourage you, help you be happier, and help you discover your best abilities. Just wanting to feel special and better than everybody else on your own can be a big downer. Maybe you'll find that one unique thing that's special about you, maybe not.

I'm glad I read both books to see the contrast and learn the lesson.
Profile Image for Becky Loader.
2,206 reviews29 followers
June 7, 2019
Nice overview of what it means to be a friend.
Profile Image for Peacegal.
11.7k reviews102 followers
March 7, 2019
Cute, cheerful story about a crocodile who is intent on being the "best" at something.
Profile Image for Ali.
1,413 reviews14 followers
August 13, 2022
Good book. I liked the dynamic of friendship. And the animals are great!
Profile Image for Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*.
6,004 reviews222 followers
September 5, 2019
Croc & Turtle: The Bestest Friends Ever! by Mike Wohnoutka. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2019. $18. 9781681196343.

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Croc is excited to show off his skills to his best friend, Turtle, who is properly impressed with Croc's strength, speed and jumping ability. But other animals, in turn, immediately outperform Croc, making him sad. Turtle comforts his friend and they both agree they are each the best at being a friend.

This is a fun little friendship story that my kids requested over and over again for reading aloud. The illustrations are bright and fun in their cartoon-y way, and the simple story is very appealing. This is not the sort of picture book that will become an instant long-lasting classic, but its a very nice choice for younger readers.

Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Abby D.
40 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2020
Title: Croc & Turtle! The Bestest Friends Ever!
Author: Mike Wohnoutka
Copyright: 2019
Format: Picture book

In this fun and friendly picture book, we meet Croc and Turtle who are two best friends. In this engaging story, Croc shows off his strength, speed, and jumping abilities to Turtle. While Croc is busy trying to prove that he is the best at all of these things, some other friends show up and demonstrate that they are actually the best at those things. Turtle consoles his friend by assuring Croc that while he may not be the best at everything, they are best friends and that is what is most important.

I chose this book to be included in the Pre-K Bookshelf selection because I believe that this book will help young children learn that is is not healthy to compare themselves to others. The story within these pages helps young children to learn to support others and to accept that you cannot be the best at everything and that's okay! I enjoyed the various animal characters featured here and I believe that children will as well. I would love to use this book for a storytime and use this as an opportunity to talk about friendship and comparison.
Profile Image for Jana.
2,601 reviews47 followers
March 22, 2019
It's so easy to get caught up comparing ourselves to others and even feeling a bit competitive about things like who's the strongest, the fastest, the smartest, etc. Croc believes he's each of these things, and proudly shows Turtle how well he can lift heavy rocks, jump over things, and run really fast. But each time he's showing Turtle how good he is, someone comes along that's stronger, a higher jumper, or a faster runner. Croc becomes discouraged and believes that if he isn't the best at these things, he's not good enough at all. This sweet picture book could be a good way to show young readers, that we all have different strengths and talents and that we all are good enough no matter how fast we run or how strong we are.
Profile Image for Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams.
2,618 reviews12 followers
August 29, 2019
This is a wonderful book that opens up the conversation of where you self-esteem and self love comes from. Does it come from what you can do? This book points out that it might not be good to attach your self-worth to what you can do.

**Talking points: Where does your self-worth come from? Has your self-worth ever taken a beating like Elephant's does? Tell us about it.

** Essential Oil Tip: When you are reading this book about self love diffusing bergamot or putting some bergamot on, which is the oil of self love, would be a great pairing. Warning though - be sure not to put bergamot on and then go out in the sun, because it can make your skin more photosensitive (which means you can sunburn much more easily!)
4,096 reviews28 followers
February 5, 2019
Croc, like so many kids, wants to be the best at something. Each time he is out-done but some other animal that is stronger, faster or can jump higher. It takes his friend turtle to point out the most important thing to be best at.

Goofy, big-eyed croc will win hearts and make readers laugh in this sweet picture book that is just right for youngest readers.

We got to meet Mike Wohnoutka at a Bloomsbury event at ALA Midwinter and watching him draw croc before our eyes and hear about his evolution as a character was a real treat!
Profile Image for Laurie.
62 reviews15 followers
April 23, 2019
Doesn't everyone want to be considered the best at something? Croc isn't afraid to try new things and believe himself to be the best---until his animal friends come along and out-best him. Now he is feeling down and losing confidence. His good friend and biggest cheerleader Turtle is there to set Croc straight as they both realize that they are the best at something---being a friend. Mike Wohnoutka delivers a message about believing in yourself and supporting your friends with engaging text and very cute illustrations. This book should be on every classroom library shelf.
Profile Image for Bethany.
511 reviews19 followers
February 26, 2019
Croc just wants to be the best at something, but everyone else beats his achievements. Only his best friend, Turtle, finds him awe-inspiring. For most of the book, the story doesn't blaze any new trails. There are lots of "everyone else is better than me" sob stories in the picture books. But the illustrations are endearing, with an earnest croc and starry-eyed turtle. And the final page spread made the whole story sparkle with an extra glint of humor.
Profile Image for Amanda Sanders.
684 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2019
This is a cute PreK/K book about friendship and competition. I like the ending--it's predictable for adults but funny for children. There is a bit of improper grammar--You are stronger than me instead of you are stronger than I/I am. I think this is a good time to make sure children are listening to proper grammar so it becomes habit. I understand when Junie B is talking and mispronounces big words it's cute, but I think this was just an author mistake and not an intentional character thing.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
4,942 reviews61 followers
July 16, 2019
Croc wants to be the best at something and his friend Turtle is great at staying positive and encouraging him. But, when everything he does someone else can do better, he begins to wonder. Croc and Turtle learn the value of true friends in this uplifting and humorous tale. The illustrations are fabulous - don't miss the looks on their faces as different animals come along. This book can also lead to great discussions on the value (or lack thereof) of comparing yourself to others.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,702 reviews18 followers
February 23, 2022
Croc wants to be the best at something but it seems other animals keep outdoing him. Elephant is strong, rabbit can jump the highest, and cheetah is a fast runner. Turtle tries to console him by saying Croc is better than turtle at all those things but realizes that means he isn't the best at anything either. They realize they can be the best friends.
Profile Image for Anthony.
7,249 reviews31 followers
January 9, 2023
Croc shows Turtle how strong, and fast he is to Turtle, who agrees with Croc. But when other animals display the same talents as Croc, only better, Croc goes into a funk. Turtle assures Croc that there is one thing he is best at, and this lifts Croc's spirits, proving once again that this duo are the best friends ever.
Profile Image for Pam.
9,831 reviews54 followers
March 10, 2019
Croc and Turtle are friends. Croc shows Turtle various things he can do but other animals are always better at them. He becomes sad as he's not the best at anything until Turtle cheers him up. They decide they are best friends.
Humor throughout with a message of how important each person is too.
Profile Image for Kelly.
8,846 reviews18 followers
April 10, 2019
As children's books go, this one really hits the mark. The illustrations are expressive and colorful. The story covers a bunch of areas of emotions. And the friendship portion of the story is wonderful.
Profile Image for Jillian.
2,525 reviews32 followers
May 17, 2019
I definitely guffawed at the end of this one. (Also, elephants can totally swim.)

But it's a really adorable story about desperately wanting to be the best at something, as well as wanting your friends to be happy.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,279 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2019
What best friends Croc & Turtle do for each other is point out what they each are good at. This is a terrific lesson for young children that we can help our friends by not allowing them to believe they aren't good at anything.
Profile Image for Molly Cluff (Library!).
2,491 reviews50 followers
July 9, 2019
So cute! Croc and Turtle keep trying to be the best at things (running, jumping, lifting rocks, etc). They get a bit discouraged when they realize someone is always better than them at something. Cute text full of personality and humor, and incredibly easy to make interactive :) :)
Profile Image for Jessica Jones.
91 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2019
Croc & Turtle was so good. If anyone has children its a must read for them. This book is about two friends that complement each other letting each know that they are great the way they are and there are things that they are good at that no one else is.
Profile Image for Syntha Green.
3,200 reviews34 followers
February 26, 2019
Sadly Croc discovers he's not the best at much, be he is the best of friends with Turtle.
Profile Image for Amanda.
3,883 reviews43 followers
March 22, 2019
Sometimes it's really hard not being the best; isn't it good to have a friend help you out when you discover that you aren't the best at everything?
Profile Image for Wendy Garland.
621 reviews49 followers
April 4, 2019
Croc just wants to be the best at something but discovers this is harder than he thought. This duo tells a heartwarming story of friendship with two voices.
100 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2019
An adorable book with cute illustrations that teach us about self-worth and not to compare ourselves to others, because everyone is good at something.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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