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I'd Really Like to Eat a Child
A scrawny little crocodile wants the opportunity to bite off more than he can chew. He's tired of bananas; today he'd like to eat a child. But he's smaller than he thinks, and the little girl he chooses for his first meal puts him in his place—she picks him up and tickles his tummy! The little crocodile is going to have to eat a lot of bananas and grow a lot bigger before he can add children to his menu! Simple yet hilarious artwork brings this droll story to life.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
December 15, 2007
finally someone had the courage to say what we've all been thinking.
August 6, 2016
It's cute, witty and, by virtue of adeptly mixing those two elements, very clever.
Or it's crass, fear-inducing and inappropriate for children.
What's the answer? That parents shouldn't conservatively assume children can't handle dark humor, but also that parents shouldn't liberally assume all children of all ages can.
As with the brilliantly dark works of Jon Sczieska and Roald Dahl, I would not give this book to any child under the age of six. Depending upon the child, I might not give it to them until they are nine. Get to know the child and when in doubt, don't burn it. Just wait a while.
I recently gave it to a twenty-seven year-old for Christmas. She enjoyed it tremendously. My fifty-eight year-old mother? Not so much.
Or it's crass, fear-inducing and inappropriate for children.
What's the answer? That parents shouldn't conservatively assume children can't handle dark humor, but also that parents shouldn't liberally assume all children of all ages can.
As with the brilliantly dark works of Jon Sczieska and Roald Dahl, I would not give this book to any child under the age of six. Depending upon the child, I might not give it to them until they are nine. Get to know the child and when in doubt, don't burn it. Just wait a while.
I recently gave it to a twenty-seven year-old for Christmas. She enjoyed it tremendously. My fifty-eight year-old mother? Not so much.
August 24, 2024
Ik kom anders niet aan m'n leesdoel dit jaar 🥲
July 7, 2011
Sometimes a book's title is too perfect. When I discovered this book on a shelf in a toy store in Seattle, I knew it would make a most amusing addition to the collection I keep in the principal's office. (Runner up that day: Monsters Eat Whiny Children. Oh, how I'd love to meet the store's buyer!)
One clever young office visitor spotted the book and fought unsuccessfully to repress his grin. It was a command reading.
Achilles the crocodile is seemingly content to feast on bananas and the occasional chocolate cake until one day he stages a hunger strike. He wants to eat a child; nothing else will do. Mama and Papa Crocodile are distraught as their weakening offspring cannot be swayed. As they console one another, Achilles sneaks off to the river for a swim. Lo and behold, he spots a child! Dinner! Suffice it to say the hunt doesn't go as planned.
This amusing book provides an inventive way of supporting picky eaters. More than that, it's just plain fun. How can it not become a repeated read?
For more of my reviews, check out the Boyz Read blog at http://boyzread.blogspot.com/. Comments are most welcome!
One clever young office visitor spotted the book and fought unsuccessfully to repress his grin. It was a command reading.
Achilles the crocodile is seemingly content to feast on bananas and the occasional chocolate cake until one day he stages a hunger strike. He wants to eat a child; nothing else will do. Mama and Papa Crocodile are distraught as their weakening offspring cannot be swayed. As they console one another, Achilles sneaks off to the river for a swim. Lo and behold, he spots a child! Dinner! Suffice it to say the hunt doesn't go as planned.
This amusing book provides an inventive way of supporting picky eaters. More than that, it's just plain fun. How can it not become a repeated read?
For more of my reviews, check out the Boyz Read blog at http://boyzread.blogspot.com/. Comments are most welcome!
September 20, 2016
De boodschap van dit boek (dat een kleine krokodil een kindje wil eten) ontging M. compleet, maar het was wel een leuke conversatie-starter. Met duidelijke afbeeldingen, zoals de grote krokodillen (mama en papa) en de kleine (M? Of zus W?), bananen, worstjes, tanden etc. Niet voor bange kinderen!
February 19, 2014
This is one of those books that I liked when I read it silently to myself, but once I read it out loud to some students, I knew immediately that I love it, and that it's a book I'll be reading to kids for years to come.
July 28, 2019
A young crocodile named Achilles decides one day that he would like to eat a child, rather than his customary bananas. Nothing his parents do - fetching a huge sausage from the village, baking a delicious chocolate cake - makes any difference. Then an unexpected encounter with a child sends Achilles back to bananas - for a time...
I expected to enjoy Sylviane Donnio's I'd Really Like to Eat a Child more than I did. But although the narrative was amusing, and the illustrations by Dorothée de Monfreid absolutely charming, somehow I wasn't completely taken with it. It was, as my friend Lisa has noted, "a little thin." Still, it will undoubtedly amuse young readers with a taste for the satirical, as well as those who are fussy eaters. I myself would love it if Monfreid's series about Coco the elephant were translated, but that's another issue...
I expected to enjoy Sylviane Donnio's I'd Really Like to Eat a Child more than I did. But although the narrative was amusing, and the illustrations by Dorothée de Monfreid absolutely charming, somehow I wasn't completely taken with it. It was, as my friend Lisa has noted, "a little thin." Still, it will undoubtedly amuse young readers with a taste for the satirical, as well as those who are fussy eaters. I myself would love it if Monfreid's series about Coco the elephant were translated, but that's another issue...
December 5, 2019
Hilarisch, wat een schattige (kleine) grote krokodil.
January 9, 2025
lol pues para gustos hay colores supongo
July 2, 2023
I think the main lesson to take from this treatise is to never let the good be the enemy of the great. In this book, the main character Achilles has determined that the thing best in life for them is to eat a child, and they spend the rest of the book in pursuit of that absolute goal.
Now, to be fair, the singleminded devotion and focus of Achilles as he pursues the eating of a child is to be admired. Many times in life are we presented with a goal that, were we able to work towards that goal with the same amount of focus, work ethic, and devotion that Achilles worked towards eating a child, would likely be more achievable. So in that sense, Achilles' approach to spiritual fulfillment (through eating a child) is something that we may at times be interested in striving for, and/or wishing was a quality we possessed.
However, that's only part of the story. In the third act when Achilles finally finds a child to eat, he discovers that his physical conditioning isn't up to the task. Indeed, as a hatchling crocodile, he is actually quite a bit smaller than a human child, and without the assistance of his parents, would be unlikely to prevail in a contest of brute force against one. With bananas offering just one gram of protein per 100g serving, Achilles made a strategic error in refusing his dad's offering of a sausage the length of an adult crocodile. While the sausage overall is arguably less healthy than the banana, it would at least have allowed for additional protein in Achilles' diet, which would have aided in his growth to the point where he might be able to legitimately best and therefore eat a human child.
In the end he partially learns his lesson, as he then goes back to eating bananas to assist his growth so that in the future he might reach his ultimate goal. The bananas are good and attainable in the present, and provided he is able to maintain a consistent diet and work on his physical strength, he may in the future in fact be able to eat a child. He needed to fail first to learn the lesson though - eating a child may be the ultimate goal, but proper planning, execution, and consistency are important to achieve that ultimate goal. Take the small successes on the road to the big one, as Achilles ended up learning.
Now, to be fair, the singleminded devotion and focus of Achilles as he pursues the eating of a child is to be admired. Many times in life are we presented with a goal that, were we able to work towards that goal with the same amount of focus, work ethic, and devotion that Achilles worked towards eating a child, would likely be more achievable. So in that sense, Achilles' approach to spiritual fulfillment (through eating a child) is something that we may at times be interested in striving for, and/or wishing was a quality we possessed.
However, that's only part of the story. In the third act when Achilles finally finds a child to eat, he discovers that his physical conditioning isn't up to the task. Indeed, as a hatchling crocodile, he is actually quite a bit smaller than a human child, and without the assistance of his parents, would be unlikely to prevail in a contest of brute force against one. With bananas offering just one gram of protein per 100g serving, Achilles made a strategic error in refusing his dad's offering of a sausage the length of an adult crocodile. While the sausage overall is arguably less healthy than the banana, it would at least have allowed for additional protein in Achilles' diet, which would have aided in his growth to the point where he might be able to legitimately best and therefore eat a human child.
In the end he partially learns his lesson, as he then goes back to eating bananas to assist his growth so that in the future he might reach his ultimate goal. The bananas are good and attainable in the present, and provided he is able to maintain a consistent diet and work on his physical strength, he may in the future in fact be able to eat a child. He needed to fail first to learn the lesson though - eating a child may be the ultimate goal, but proper planning, execution, and consistency are important to achieve that ultimate goal. Take the small successes on the road to the big one, as Achilles ended up learning.
February 10, 2018
I'd heard this book was great and even picked it for my Food theme ST. Can't believe I waited until the day before to read it. But it is fabulous as so many said. Adorable pictures. Hilarious story. Best part for me was when he found a child. I hope I do it justice when I read it.
2/15/12 This went quite well in both storytimes. Loved the crocodile. Wide-eyed about him wanting to eat a child. Seemed the river part was their favorite, since the ending was just OK with them. Still--fabulous choice for the kids and adults.
12/3/14 I had a bigger crowd than I've been getting. Averaging around the age of 3. They liked the book. I'd done 5 Little Monkeys before, which was a great lead in. And we had time, so I did Silly Bananas song after. This was part of the Dreams theme.
11/23/16 Used as closer in food/Thanksgiving preschool theme. It was great. They liked the pictures and the story. And I totally had them on the suspense when the crocodile was ready to pounce--eased it a bit by having them pretend to get ready to pounce. And they liked the ending.
2/7/18 Used as opener for E theme. Lots of newbies, and many of them young. But they did so well! They sat still and paid attention. They got involved with actions. Wonderful! Going to send this with Hubby to read to the kids.
2/9/18 Read for bedtime story. Daddy had already read this with SD. She described the book perfectly to SS to convince him he would like this one. He sat well through it. She still smiled.
2/15/12 This went quite well in both storytimes. Loved the crocodile. Wide-eyed about him wanting to eat a child. Seemed the river part was their favorite, since the ending was just OK with them. Still--fabulous choice for the kids and adults.
12/3/14 I had a bigger crowd than I've been getting. Averaging around the age of 3. They liked the book. I'd done 5 Little Monkeys before, which was a great lead in. And we had time, so I did Silly Bananas song after. This was part of the Dreams theme.
11/23/16 Used as closer in food/Thanksgiving preschool theme. It was great. They liked the pictures and the story. And I totally had them on the suspense when the crocodile was ready to pounce--eased it a bit by having them pretend to get ready to pounce. And they liked the ending.
2/7/18 Used as opener for E theme. Lots of newbies, and many of them young. But they did so well! They sat still and paid attention. They got involved with actions. Wonderful! Going to send this with Hubby to read to the kids.
2/9/18 Read for bedtime story. Daddy had already read this with SD. She described the book perfectly to SS to convince him he would like this one. He sat well through it. She still smiled.
December 11, 2018
A+ 10/10 would read to tiny humans again.
July 23, 2025
Ook deze krijgt van Jack zes sterren. Nu gewoon nog 'banaan' zeggen in plaats van 'naan' (de krokodillen - of door Jack benoemd als 'ai' - volgen een plant based dieet...).
November 2, 2023
thank you celine
October 12, 2012
Achilles is a baby crocodile with a dream. Instead of the bananas his mom and dad feed him for breakfast, he would prefer a child. In an attempt to convince his parents to stop feeding him bananas, little Achilles refuses to eat. The tears and bribes of Mama and Papa Crocodile do not convince Achilles to give up his dream. When Achilles finally does come face-to-face with a child, it does not go quite as he planned.
Students will relate to not wanting to eat what their parents give them. Achilles’ refusal to eat does not get him his way—another important lesson for those young elementary students. Achilles even starts to feel weak and sick from not eating. When he goes off on his own, he finally encounters what he wants most. A young girl is playing with a toy boat in the river. As Achilles creeps closer and closer to the child and bares his teeth. This could almost be scary except for the fact that Achilles is so small that he doesn’t even reach the girl’s knees. She calls him cute and comments that he must be so small because he doesn’t eat very much. After tickling his belly, the girl throws him in the river. Instead of being upset by his failure, Achilles returns to his parents with a new found hunger for bananas. He must eat what his parents tell him so he can grow big enough to eat a child someday!
This picture book makes a great read aloud. The illustrations are simple and engaging, with several details that students may notice after multiple readings. The story is probably set in Africa, so it would fit well in a unit about African animals or villages. This title also lends itself to studies about health and nutrition, as Achilles learns he must eat the right kind of food to get big and strong. The silliness of the story is also very enjoyable for students and teachers alike.
This and other reviews by Brandi Meineke can be found on Booksource.com
Students will relate to not wanting to eat what their parents give them. Achilles’ refusal to eat does not get him his way—another important lesson for those young elementary students. Achilles even starts to feel weak and sick from not eating. When he goes off on his own, he finally encounters what he wants most. A young girl is playing with a toy boat in the river. As Achilles creeps closer and closer to the child and bares his teeth. This could almost be scary except for the fact that Achilles is so small that he doesn’t even reach the girl’s knees. She calls him cute and comments that he must be so small because he doesn’t eat very much. After tickling his belly, the girl throws him in the river. Instead of being upset by his failure, Achilles returns to his parents with a new found hunger for bananas. He must eat what his parents tell him so he can grow big enough to eat a child someday!
This picture book makes a great read aloud. The illustrations are simple and engaging, with several details that students may notice after multiple readings. The story is probably set in Africa, so it would fit well in a unit about African animals or villages. This title also lends itself to studies about health and nutrition, as Achilles learns he must eat the right kind of food to get big and strong. The silliness of the story is also very enjoyable for students and teachers alike.
This and other reviews by Brandi Meineke can be found on Booksource.com
February 15, 2016
Although it seems like a scary title for a children's picture book, if you pick it up and read it through - there is a good chance that you will like this book. It's one of the picture books that my kindergarten students would beg me to do another read-aloud. The children can easily relate to the story line which is really about how a little kid (in the book it's the baby crocodile) sometimes just get tired of their parents telling them what they should eat and what they shouldn't. I read it once in front of a group of parents during an open lesson and everyone laughed at the end of the story when the little girl started to tickling the little crocodile. The illustration used a lot of bright color, simple lines, and the background looks like the story is happening by a little village somewhere in Africa.
March 2, 2021
“I’d Really Like To Eat A Child” by Sylviane Donnio is a satirical tale about a baby crocodile named Achilles who gets a hankering for the taste of a child and cannot be convinced to eat anything else. This book’s genre is a picture book, with the theme to never give up on your goals, which is clear in the resolution, as Achilles may fail on his mission to eat a child, but he clearly knows he isn’t going to give up just because he is small. Children who are small and scrawny like Achilles may relate to him, as he is treated by everyone as such. The style of this picture book is definitely to entertain it’s readers and make them laugh, so definitely give it a read if you’re looking for something lighthearted and funny to enjoy.
October 2, 2009
Hmm. I love the title. I love the premise. I love the name Achilles for the little crocodile’s name. The illustrations are cute. I really liked it as I was reading it.
However, when I’d finished it, it seemed a bit thin to me; I really wanted more to the story.
I’m also not quite sure about the intended audience for this book. I’d screen it before reading it to 3-4 year olds. I think 5-8 year olds might feel more glee than fear, but it depends on the individual child. The twist at the end is funny for me as an adult but possibly not so reassuring for young children.
I would never have passed on that chocolate cake, I have to say.
However, when I’d finished it, it seemed a bit thin to me; I really wanted more to the story.
I’m also not quite sure about the intended audience for this book. I’d screen it before reading it to 3-4 year olds. I think 5-8 year olds might feel more glee than fear, but it depends on the individual child. The twist at the end is funny for me as an adult but possibly not so reassuring for young children.
I would never have passed on that chocolate cake, I have to say.
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October 17, 2011I especially love how the protagonist's desires aren't in any way undermined at the end of this book. He still wants to eat a child; he's just rethinking his plan for how to get there. :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
A baby crocodile wants to eat a child. Cute, funny, good for story time.
March 13, 2017
Haha.
October 4, 2019
Kindergarten found this quite amusing. I was surprised to read reviews criticizing it for being scary - that never occurred to me.
June 27, 2017
Cutest animal ever.
May 14, 2022
3.5 🤷🏼♀️
April 24, 2025
Same, little dude.
April 24, 2025
A delight for children of all ages (including pre-readers and children who are past retirement).
June 26, 2025
I read this aloud every time my family and I go to the dentist. I have heaps of fun, my family however…
August 23, 2025
So stinkin cute and well worth the read
Read at Gwen's house
Read at Gwen's house
August 26, 2025
One of the favorite books of my daughter! It’s a book about a banana eating crocodile family struggling with their toddler crocodile who all of a sudden wants to stop eating bananas and instead wants to eat a little child. Fun story and energetic drawings!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews