Eu, Crocodilo

by Fred Marcellino

Napoleão não pôde resistir: além de múmias, esfinges e palmeiras, também levou de lembrança do Egito um crocodilo. Paris ficou encantada com a exótica criatura. Mas, para um réptil com um apetite do tamanho do próprio ego, ser o quindim da cidade também tinha suas desvantagens. Se você está acostumado com flamingos, cobras e cabritos, é difícil se habituar à musse de chocolate. Nosso herói adoraria voltar para o Egito - onde era um aristocrata, descendente direto dos nobres crocodilos, tratados como deuses pelos faraós. Mas Napoleão tem outros planos para ele...

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Historical Fiction, Humor, Fantasy

Paperback

First published September 8, 1999

About the author

Fred Marcellino (October 25, 1939 – July 12, 2001) was an American illustrator and later an author of children's books who was very influential in the book industry. Publisher Nan Talese said that Marcellino could "in one image, translate the whole feeling and style of a book." Such was the case with his evocative painting for Judith Rossner's August, published and edited by Talese.

Reviews

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books where a story is usually told from an animal’s point of view such as Aesop’s Fables. But I have never read a book where the main animal character talks with dignity when narrating his side of the story. “I, Crocodile” is such a tale by Fred Marcellino who masterfully tells the story of a crocodile’s attempts to fit in the society who had forcefully taken him away from his home.

Fred Marcellino’s story and illustrations are brilliant as he describes the crocodile’s predicament from being taken away from his home in the Nile River to nearly becoming dinner for the French. The true highlight of this story is the crocodile himself as he is displayed as a civilized creature that had high opinions of the humans who had taken care of his ancestors but then sees the dark side of humans when they tried to eat him. Marcellino’s illustrations humorously illustrates the crocodile as a pudgy yet cute creature.

Parents should know that many young viewers may be disturbed by the ending of this book. I am not going to spoil the ending for you, but someone does get eaten at the end and that concept may disturb children. Parents may wish to discuss to their children about the crocodile’s predicament and how he resolves this towards the end of the story.

“I, Crocodile” is truly a classic book about the importance of respecting one’s privacy and feelings and the book clearly defines a cautionary tale of what happens when someone tries to forcefully take someone out of their natural home and put them in a society that they are not accustomed to. This is a great book for everyone to read, but parents should warn their children about the ending and why the book was concluded in that manner.



Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Cassandra Lemieux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This story is about a crocodile who once lived in Egypt. He bragged at the fact that he never had to chase a meal, that they all would come to him. He was living the perfect life in his little swamp until Napoleon came around and took him to Paris. Crocodile was sad at first. He was stuck in a small enclosure. He came to enjoy all the attention he got, however. But once Napoleon realized he was no longer a big deal, he decided he wanted to eat him. To find out what happens with crocodile you will have to read!
Grade level: 2-5
Appropriate classroom use: This book has a lot of important dates and historical figures. It talks about the late 1700's and how Napoleon came in to take over. It also talks about crocodiles and what habitat they belong in and what they like to eat. This book could be used in science or history.
students who benefit from reading: Children who like humorous books. Or like books about crocodiles
Small group use: n/a
Whole class use: This would be a great book to read a loud to the class. It has really good information and the pictures are very bright and eye grabbing. The vocabulary is great as well, so it would be a good book for a teacher to read a loud.
related books: "Natalie Babbitt"
Multimedia: http://bodhiman.com/videos/81446/i-cr...

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little tale about the pillaging of Egypt by Napoleon, who brings back lots of art, statues, and even trees to Paris. The story is told from the perspective of a crocodile who loves his life along the Nile, but finds himself rudely transported to France with the rest of the booty. It's a fun and humorous tale with amazing illustrations - who knew that a crocodile could be so expressive? And the ending is funny, too, but perhaps a bit much for younger children to handle. Overall, we loved this book!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crocodile is having the time of his life, living and EATING by the Nile. Then a scoundrel named Napoleon snatches him up, and puts him on display in Paris.

What's a croc to do?

This is such a fun book with great illustrations.



Be warned - the ending may be a little dark for some children.

Bon appetit!

[Taurean Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s one of the few illustrators I know of who mostly illustrated other authors books, and this is one of the few (If not only) book he wrote and illustrated. His art has a vintage feel without being hokey or saccharine. Humor here is dry yet cheeky, but not as subversive as Dahl or Sendak. Something in the middle.

That said, if your kids or students love Dahl or had the debate about Jon Klassen’s “I Want My Hat Back” about “if he or didn’t he” to a certain rabbit, they’ll love where this story ends. I personally found it a bit sadistic for my tastes, but it was true to the character, and I respect that.

[Katie Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told from the crocodile's point of view. He starts out in Egypt but is then sent over to Paris to be an exhibit. He enjoyed being the center of attention but he missed all the food he used to eat. Eventually, once people were not amused by him any longer, he was going to be dinner. The crocodile got away and lived in the Paris sewers where is new diet became people. I liked this book but I do not think I would read it to small children. I'm not sure if the crocodile eating people would scare them. Nonetheless, it was a good and humorous book.

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the point of view on this one - it was very fun to read aloud. Who wouldn't want to pretend to be a haughty Egyptian crocodile every now and then?! :) The story is very entertaining, too - especially the end!

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently Napoleon brought at least one crocodile to France after his expedition to Egypt. This is the croc's story. Cute croc!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crocodile references Ancient Egypt... Gets kidnapped from 18th Century Egypt by Napoleon (or "that French guy," as the crocodile calls him). By the way, I have to adore a character that refers to Napoleon Bonaparte as "That French Guy." He ends up living in French parks & sewers at different parts of the story & it is kind of fun to see him react to each situation. Definitely a tongue in cheek type of comedy element to it.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me sad because I felt really bad for the crocodile in the story. On the book jacket I saw that this was inspired by an old satirical story, but I wish that this information had been stated in some way at the beginning of the story because I kept wondering if it was a true story the whole time I was reading it (and I had to search around for that information once I finished the book). The illustrations in this book were really great.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lounging around on his comfortable mudbank in Egypt, a self-satisfied crocodile is suddenly netted up and carried away to France. The Emperor Napoleon has ordered him placed on display in Paris as a trophy! At first all the attention is nice, but what’s a hungry crocodile to eat in this strange place?

It’s a wickedly funny tale delightfully illustrated by the author.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book that talks about Napoleon and the alligator that he steals from Egypt. I would caution parents with little ones that the crocodile does eat a human so if they are frightened easily don't read this book to them. lol

[zunggg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comical memoir of a charismatic croc, detailing his tribulations at the hands of Napoleon and subsequent revenge on Paris society. Full of delectable dandyish vocab which compels exuberance when reading aloud.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY. A children's book with an unambiguously happy ending.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't care for the ending, but the buildup was fun.

[LelandraTheLazyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun picture book. Worked well as a read aloud. My daughter particularly liked the dark ending.

[Melissa Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute

[Toni Sudheeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to read this EVERY DAY when I was a child, I was obsessed. I’d pretend I was a crocodile. Excellent book.

[Katie Easter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Grade Level: K-2nd Grade

This children's fantasy is perfect for lower elementary school aged children! It has a few informational points that can spark come educational discussion but the back story about this crocodile is so cute! I love how the story is told from his perspective which could be another learning key (POV). I recommend this book for other teachers.

[Anna]

Audiobook
Performed by Tim Curry

[Rachel Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Fiction/Modern Fantasy
Grade Level: 3-4

This book was different than a lot of children's books that I've read. It is based on true events and takes place in a very different time period. It evoked some emotion, as reading about the crocodiles capture was very sad. It was kind of intense at the end when the crocodile ate the guard. It is a bit darker than most children's books that I've read, but I did enjoy it and thought it was very well written.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird book. I appreciated the voice of the narrator...the comment about idol worship rocked! Not sure about the ending, though. Rather...gruesome, really for a children's book. And I don't want the kiddos to be worried about crocodiles popping out of nowhere and eating them, so, yeah. Wasn't useful as part of the unit on Egypt, although it might work when talking about Napoleon at some later date when the kids are a little older and can appreciate the humor.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about a self-satisfied crocodile who is taken to France as a novelty for Napoleon's palace. Smaller children will enjoy the crocodile's dramatic expressions. For older kids the book could be a good starting point for talking about the history of the period, or about animal right (and safety!).

[Kathryn Hogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was ok. I did not really like it. It was erealistic, but I do not think that certain students would get the idea of the joke of the crocodile eating humans and what not. I loved the illustrations; I did just not understand nor enjoy the story.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite story by any means. It has a humorous storyline, but it was a little over the head of my 5 year old. It did offer a slight introduction into ancient Egypt and Napoleon so it might be a fun read while studying those topics.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read! A crocodile is living the high life as one of the top predators in Egypt until Napoleon comes along and decides to take him home as a trophy - initially a live one. A fun adventure with nice rhyming and great pictures! Nice twist at the end!

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of a crocodile abducted from his posh living on the Nile by none other than Napoleon! I'm guessing it's basis is historical. And aside from an off comment about how great idol worship is, it's really a fun story.

The illustrations are fantastic and funny!

[Audrey's Picture Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those instances where the pictures are much better than the story. The best moment in the entire book is the wordless second-to-last page. I enjoyed the book and will read it to my students, but I wouldn't seek it out.

[Shevonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This macabre tale about a crocodile taken out of Egypt by Napolean and placed in Paris was quirky and hysterical. The kids and I quickly named it as one of our favorites.