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Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator
Claude is the story of the California Academy of Sciences' beloved albino alligator, from his birth in Louisiana to his present day life in his swamp at the Academy.
"Ultimately, Claude’s hopeful tale is a celebration of individuality and the joy in finding those who appreciate you for exactly who you are."-- Booklist
Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was white. The other hatchings avoided him, and his color made him vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe--but alone.
One day, scientists at the California Academy of Sciences heard about him and asked the zoo if he could come and live in the Academy's swamp. He made a 2,800 mile journey to his new home, where he had a surprise--he would share his swamp with Bonnie, an alligator who the scientists hoped would be a friend for Claude.
Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't like Claude's differences either, so she was moved to another home. But then Claude was alone again--or was he?
With Bonnie gone, Claude began to interact with the five enormous snapping turtles who shared his swamp. The turtles didn't mind at all that Claude was different! And neither do the millions of people who visit him every year. They know that Claude's differences are exactly what makes him special.
Claude includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in animals.
"Ultimately, Claude’s hopeful tale is a celebration of individuality and the joy in finding those who appreciate you for exactly who you are."-- Booklist
Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was white. The other hatchings avoided him, and his color made him vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe--but alone.
One day, scientists at the California Academy of Sciences heard about him and asked the zoo if he could come and live in the Academy's swamp. He made a 2,800 mile journey to his new home, where he had a surprise--he would share his swamp with Bonnie, an alligator who the scientists hoped would be a friend for Claude.
Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't like Claude's differences either, so she was moved to another home. But then Claude was alone again--or was he?
With Bonnie gone, Claude began to interact with the five enormous snapping turtles who shared his swamp. The turtles didn't mind at all that Claude was different! And neither do the millions of people who visit him every year. They know that Claude's differences are exactly what makes him special.
Claude includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in animals.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2020
126 people want to read
About the author
Emma Bland Smith
33 books47 followersEmma Bland Smith is the award-winning author of twelve book for children. Her debut picture book was Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West. Many of Emma’s books include animals—wolves, dogs, pigs, even alligators! Emma is a librarian and author and lives in San Francisco with her husband, two kids, dog, and cat—but no wolf, pig, or alligator. Visit her online at emmabsmith.com and on Twitter at @emmablandsmith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 3, 2022
I have a love-hate relationship with the California Academy of Sciences museum in my city. I don’t approve of animals in captivity. The penguins there who are so entertaining (there is a penguin cam for remote viewing!) drive me nuts about their habitat in particular, although I’m also upset about many of the other creatures there. This book is about Claude though and about his turtle friends. It makes sense for Claude to be where he is since he would not have survived in the wild. The turtles who share the habitat space with Claude were rescued from being killed for food. I still having conflicting feelings since he’s “an ambassador for science” but he shouldn’t have to be anything. I know that the staff there think they take great care of all of the animals and do important research and they probably do. Sometimes I miss being a child and younger adult being able to experience uncomplicated joy when visiting and reading about/thinking about these animals.
I grew up with this museum. It still retains some of its old features though most of it has been renovated since then. There are many improvements. I love their living roof and still love the now very different planetarium. I have gone with friends who have memberships that include bringing guests and therefore haven’t paid them anything for admission for a long time. Yes, mixed feelings indeed.
This book has an engaging story and I think that children in San Francisco and children who have never visited the city will be captivated by it. There is additional more detailed information at the end presented in a Q & A format.
It's a perfect story for discussing and accepting differences of all kinds.
The illustrations are really great too.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to children. It would make a particularly great gift for San Francisco Bay Area children who have been able or will be able to visit Claude and the turtles and the rest of the museum and I do think that all children would probably also enjoy the book. It’s an excellent book.
I appreciated that both the author and the illustrator live in San Francisco and know their subject well. That shows.
4-1/2 stars
I grew up with this museum. It still retains some of its old features though most of it has been renovated since then. There are many improvements. I love their living roof and still love the now very different planetarium. I have gone with friends who have memberships that include bringing guests and therefore haven’t paid them anything for admission for a long time. Yes, mixed feelings indeed.
This book has an engaging story and I think that children in San Francisco and children who have never visited the city will be captivated by it. There is additional more detailed information at the end presented in a Q & A format.
It's a perfect story for discussing and accepting differences of all kinds.
The illustrations are really great too.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to children. It would make a particularly great gift for San Francisco Bay Area children who have been able or will be able to visit Claude and the turtles and the rest of the museum and I do think that all children would probably also enjoy the book. It’s an excellent book.
I appreciated that both the author and the illustrator live in San Francisco and know their subject well. That shows.
4-1/2 stars
August 8, 2020
Claude is a true story based on the California Academy of Sciences' beloved albino alligator.
A little backstory on Claude:
Claude was hatched on September 15 1995 in Louisianna. Baby Claude lacked the pigment melanin in his skin. Being an albino aligator is not easy, he was in danger in the wild because his albinism did not allow him to camouflage into his surroundings like other alligators. in 2008, Claude found his new home at the California Academy of Sciences.
This little book does an excellant job telling Claudes story and also teaching about albinism in animals. "Claude" does a fantastic job explaining the implications and diffulcties involved when animals are born albino. In Claudes case, not only did his condition make him appear different, but it made it impossible to live and strive in the wild.
This book about Claude offers more than just facts, it offers young readers the knowledge that different can be something beautiful and wonderful too.
At the end of the book there are also some common questions and answers about Claude and other aligator related topics. I really loved that this was included.
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A little backstory on Claude:
Claude was hatched on September 15 1995 in Louisianna. Baby Claude lacked the pigment melanin in his skin. Being an albino aligator is not easy, he was in danger in the wild because his albinism did not allow him to camouflage into his surroundings like other alligators. in 2008, Claude found his new home at the California Academy of Sciences.
This little book does an excellant job telling Claudes story and also teaching about albinism in animals. "Claude" does a fantastic job explaining the implications and diffulcties involved when animals are born albino. In Claudes case, not only did his condition make him appear different, but it made it impossible to live and strive in the wild.
This book about Claude offers more than just facts, it offers young readers the knowledge that different can be something beautiful and wonderful too.
At the end of the book there are also some common questions and answers about Claude and other aligator related topics. I really loved that this was included.
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2023
Just saw them at the Cal. Academy of Science today!
August 19, 2022
Nominated for the 2023 Washington State Children's Choice Picture Book Award, I am excited to share this book with my students. Did you ever think about how alligators use camouflage? I guess in the case of some animals, camouflage is an adaptation that we don't always think of as a feature. It's not like they change color like a chameleon. Unless you live near alligator habitats, it might not occur to you how hard they are to spot in the wild (or in urban areas, we do not usually see alligators on the list of urbanized wildlife, but they are not very shy).
White in the wild is easy for predators to spot, so albino specimens will often be rejected by nest mates. Animals are looking out for their safety and that's why they behave badly toward differences in other animals. Do humans do that? Sure, we are often unkind to people we don't understand. But we have the ability to pause, ask ourselves if we are safe, will we be picked off by a predator by making friends with someone who doesn't match us? Maybe. Be brave, be willing to find out.
White in the wild is easy for predators to spot, so albino specimens will often be rejected by nest mates. Animals are looking out for their safety and that's why they behave badly toward differences in other animals. Do humans do that? Sure, we are often unkind to people we don't understand. But we have the ability to pause, ask ourselves if we are safe, will we be picked off by a predator by making friends with someone who doesn't match us? Maybe. Be brave, be willing to find out.
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December 18, 2024I like him more the more I get to know him.
August 13, 2020
This is a true story. Claude hatched on September 15, 1995 in Louisiana. When he exited his egg he was starkly different from his siblings... Claude was pure white. Why? He was an albino which means he lacked the pigment melanin in his skin so he had no colour. This put him in danger because he could not hide and blend in with his surroundings. He could not camouflage an element that kept him safe. Wisely Claude was sent to a new home at the California Academy of Sciences where he was kept safe from harm and actually became a celebrity there. Everyone wanted to see the novel albino alligator.
The book has a positive message for young readers. It points out that being different can have its merits. It shines a light on the importance of having compassion and empathy. It addresses the importance of accepting others who are different from you.
The illustrations are wonderfully done and the book includes a segment at the end of the book of "Common Questions About Claude" for those who want to learn more about this interesting creature. This book would be perfect placed in a classroom and elementary school library. The story is heartwarming and it teaches valuable life skills that any age can benefit from. I highly recommend this book.
The book has a positive message for young readers. It points out that being different can have its merits. It shines a light on the importance of having compassion and empathy. It addresses the importance of accepting others who are different from you.
The illustrations are wonderfully done and the book includes a segment at the end of the book of "Common Questions About Claude" for those who want to learn more about this interesting creature. This book would be perfect placed in a classroom and elementary school library. The story is heartwarming and it teaches valuable life skills that any age can benefit from. I highly recommend this book.
October 19, 2020
Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is a children's picture book written by Emma Bland Smith and illustrated by Jennifer Potter. The titular alligator's life is chronicled, from his hatching in 1995 at a Louisiana alligator farm through his move to a Florida zoo to his current existence as a major attraction at the California Academy of Sciences.
Claude is an albino alligator (alligator mississippiensis) at the California Academy of Sciences. Claude lacks the pigment melanin, which results in his skin color.
Smith's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It traces the life of Claude, the albino alligator and the dangers of albinism in the wild. Themes of lonesomeness are also tackled as Claude is moved from an alligator farm to a zoo and eventually to California. Potter's pastel-hued, retro-feeling art does a fine job of echoing that sentiment.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It follows the life of Claude, the albino alligator, from hatchling to his home at a Floridian zoo and to his current fate as a major attraction at the California Academy of Sciences.
All in all, Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is a sweet and engaging biography about an albino alligator – Claude.
Claude is an albino alligator (alligator mississippiensis) at the California Academy of Sciences. Claude lacks the pigment melanin, which results in his skin color.
Smith's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It traces the life of Claude, the albino alligator and the dangers of albinism in the wild. Themes of lonesomeness are also tackled as Claude is moved from an alligator farm to a zoo and eventually to California. Potter's pastel-hued, retro-feeling art does a fine job of echoing that sentiment.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It follows the life of Claude, the albino alligator, from hatchling to his home at a Floridian zoo and to his current fate as a major attraction at the California Academy of Sciences.
All in all, Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is a sweet and engaging biography about an albino alligator – Claude.
August 23, 2020
This is an outstanding (and true!) story about differences, starring Claude the famous albino alligator. It’s filled with interesting facts. Poor Claude went through a lot on his path to being accepted. I loved the illustrations, as well! This is one I’ll be gifting during the holidays.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
December 10, 2020
This was beautifully illustrated and packs a lot of info into such a short story (including the "Common Questions..." section at the back. If you love reptiles, if you love alligators you should definitely pick this children's books up and have a read!
January 21, 2022
catherine read this to me in the academy of sciences gift shop and i almost started crying bc i love this alligator so much and i never want him to be sad and also he has ninja turtle roommates which i love for him
February 12, 2021
An informative story told through wonderful pictures. I would love to use this book with a class.
November 15, 2024
read this book yesterday at a gift shop but did not buy it because was on a date and how do you explain you have a plethora of children’s books but no children 🧐🤔
February 8, 2021
True story of a white alligator, and the kids loved it! Some great story telling!
August 6, 2020
Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator, written by Emma Bland Smith and illustrated by Jennifer M. Potter, is currently scheduled for release on August 4 2020. Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was white. The other hatchlings avoided him, and his color made him vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe--but alone. One day, scientists at the California Academy of Sciences heard about him and asked the zoo if he could come and live in the Academy's swamp. He made a 2,800 mile journey to his new home, where he had a surprise--he would share his swamp with Bonnie, an alligator who the scientists hoped would be a friend for Claude. Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't like Claude's differences either, so she was moved to another home. But then Claude was alone again--or was he? With Bonnie gone, Claude began to interact with the five enormous snapping turtles who shared his swamp. The turtles didn't mind at all that Claude was different! And neither do the millions of people who visit him every year. They know that Claude's differences are exactly what makes him special.
Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is more than a story about a cool albino alligator finding a happy home and being safe and cared for. I like that it does teach the facts about Claude's life, but it also shines a light on how animals (and people) tend to treat the different. While some enjoyed the spectacle and like to stare, others took the time to make sure he was safe and happy. I was glad that Claude and his turtle friends are happy together, and that he can play a part in education and research. I was very happy to see that the book includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in animals.
Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is a well written story that might inspire kindness to animals, and people, regardless of possible differences.
Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is more than a story about a cool albino alligator finding a happy home and being safe and cared for. I like that it does teach the facts about Claude's life, but it also shines a light on how animals (and people) tend to treat the different. While some enjoyed the spectacle and like to stare, others took the time to make sure he was safe and happy. I was glad that Claude and his turtle friends are happy together, and that he can play a part in education and research. I was very happy to see that the book includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in animals.
Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is a well written story that might inspire kindness to animals, and people, regardless of possible differences.
June 2, 2021
This true story is about an albino alligator who hatched in a Louisiana swamp. Being white instead of green, his life was at risk because of his inability to blend in. He was rescued, taken to a special zoo in Florida, and years later he was moved to California. He couldn't see well so kept bumping into things, even another alligator who was placed with him to be his friend. She didn't like Claude, so now he lives without alligators for company, but his keepers were surprised to see what other animal friends he does have in there.
This is a fascinating nonfiction story beautifully illustrated, with questions and answers at the end.
This is a fascinating nonfiction story beautifully illustrated, with questions and answers at the end.
August 4, 2020
If this was a fiction story about an outcast albino alligator and his journey to becoming a famous & beloved celebrity, it'd already be very engaging for young readers. But the fact that it's non-fiction and based on the real alligator albino Claude at the San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences, makes this book perfect for classrooms and anyone who loves to read about alligators, zoology, ecosystems, and wildlife! Wonderful illustrations throughout!
August 10, 2020
Claude" is a lovely little book with beautiful illustrations.
It tells the story of Claude, the world famous albino alligator.
The language is easy to understand for children, but it is still informative and not condescending.
The illustrations are simply gorgeous!
I can imagine this book to be perfect as a companion for a visit to Claude, or to be read in times like now when you can't travel.
* I received an ARC through Netgalley in return for an honest review *
It tells the story of Claude, the world famous albino alligator.
The language is easy to understand for children, but it is still informative and not condescending.
The illustrations are simply gorgeous!
I can imagine this book to be perfect as a companion for a visit to Claude, or to be read in times like now when you can't travel.
* I received an ARC through Netgalley in return for an honest review *
August 29, 2021
Both a delightful true story, and a nice narrative about finding friends while you're different. Unlike Neon Leon, Claude is able to find buddies who *aren't* like him. I wish there were more resources, but there are answers to a series of further questions and a photograph of the real-life Claude.
June 9, 2020
A terrific new non-fiction book for kids (and classrooms!) interested in wildlife/zoology, reptiles, ecosystems, or animal adaptations. Charming illustrations and Claude's fascinating story - from Florida swamp to California Academy of Sciences - make this book a winner. Insightful and informative back matter extends additional learning opportunities for curious readers.
March 9, 2021
I've met this alligator that lives at the California Academy of Sciences and I'm so glad this author wrote about him. The story about this reptile who is "different" than his peers is relatable and touching. I teared up and then cheered for Claude at the end. There are lots of interesting facts about Claude and alligators at the end of the book. A must-read for the whole family!
January 21, 2021
Such a lovely book that tells the true story of Claude the albino alligator from America. This book gives the message that being different is special and unique- something that is essential to teach young children.
January 5, 2022
I love this non-fiction book about Claude, the albino alligator. Perfect for young readers, being read to, wanting to learn about alligators! This is also a true story, you can pair this story with some really great real pictures of Claude, I even found lots of video footage!
September 10, 2020
Love the message of acceptance, care, and embrace of differences. Easily generalized to disability and difference, while still a biography of Claude, an albino alligator.
June 14, 2025
Born with albinism, Claude the alligator stood out from his fellows, and was quickly put into the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park for his own protection, as his differences made him a target when young and would make it difficult for him to hunt, once grown. After living in isolation for the next thirteen years, Claude was brought to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, living for a time with another alligator named Bonnie. When this didn't work out, it seemed that our eusuchian hero was destined to be alone. Fortunately for him he had the company of five snapping turtles, and the devoted interest of the public...
Published in 2020, Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is the fourth non-fiction picture book I have read from author Emma Bland Smith, after titles like Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West and Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards: The Making of Make Way for Ducklings , and the first from illustrator Jennifer M. Potter. I had to request it through interlibrary loan, as my local library does not have it. In any case, I found it engaging, and appreciated the glimpse it offered of an unusual alligator and his life story. I was glad to learn that after so many years in isolation Claude finally got to have companions, even if not members of his own species. Th accompanying artwork was pleasant, although not particularly memorable. Should I ever get back to San Francisco, I will have to try to visit Claude—alligators being so very long-lived! Recommended to young animal lovers, to picture book audiences interested in alligators and/or albinism, and to any child visiting the California Academy of Sciences.
Published in 2020, Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator is the fourth non-fiction picture book I have read from author Emma Bland Smith, after titles like Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West and Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards: The Making of Make Way for Ducklings , and the first from illustrator Jennifer M. Potter. I had to request it through interlibrary loan, as my local library does not have it. In any case, I found it engaging, and appreciated the glimpse it offered of an unusual alligator and his life story. I was glad to learn that after so many years in isolation Claude finally got to have companions, even if not members of his own species. Th accompanying artwork was pleasant, although not particularly memorable. Should I ever get back to San Francisco, I will have to try to visit Claude—alligators being so very long-lived! Recommended to young animal lovers, to picture book audiences interested in alligators and/or albinism, and to any child visiting the California Academy of Sciences.
August 25, 2020
Claude hatched out of an egg in a Louisiana swamp with his siblings. Unlike them though, he was white rather than green. His different color made him easy prey for predators in the swamp and his siblings also were uneasy around him. The owner of the alligator farm gave the little alligator to a special zoo in Florida. At that zoo, he was safe but all alone. He lived that way for 13 years until a museum in California wanted him to come and live with them. They had another alligator name Bonnie, but Bonnie did not get along with Claude and bit him in the foot. Afterwards, Claude had to have surgery to remove one of his toes and took weeks to recover. When he returned, he was alone again in his pen except for the snapping turtles, and then something wonderful happened.
This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the beloved white alligator who charmed museum-goers in San Francisco at the California Academy of Sciences. The focus of the book is on Claude’s well-being and the care he received throughout his life to keep him safe. The need for him to have contact with other animals is also a feature as zookeepers struggle to provide that full life for him. Written in frank and simple language, this book nicely balances the amount of text per page, making it a book that can be shared aloud with preschoolers.
Potter’s illustrations offer a cartoon-like look at Claude and his life. Some pages like Bonnie eying up Claude before attacking him are menacing, while others are filled with a gentle joy as Claude finds animals he can live with. Claude pops on the page as a white creature, showing just how special and unique he was.
A friendly look at an interesting animal who found a home that was safe and supportive. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the beloved white alligator who charmed museum-goers in San Francisco at the California Academy of Sciences. The focus of the book is on Claude’s well-being and the care he received throughout his life to keep him safe. The need for him to have contact with other animals is also a feature as zookeepers struggle to provide that full life for him. Written in frank and simple language, this book nicely balances the amount of text per page, making it a book that can be shared aloud with preschoolers.
Potter’s illustrations offer a cartoon-like look at Claude and his life. Some pages like Bonnie eying up Claude before attacking him are menacing, while others are filled with a gentle joy as Claude finds animals he can live with. Claude pops on the page as a white creature, showing just how special and unique he was.
A friendly look at an interesting animal who found a home that was safe and supportive. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
May 7, 2021
Claude is the story of the California Academy of Sciences' beloved albino alligator, from his birth in Louisiana to his present day life in his swamp at the Academy.
Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was white. The other hatchings avoided him, and his color made him vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe--but alone.
One day, scientists at the California Academy of Sciences heard about him and asked the zoo if he could come and live in the Academy's swamp. He made a 2,800 mile journey to his new home, where he had a surprise--he would share his swamp with Bonnie, an alligator who the scientists hoped would be a friend for Claude.
Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't like Claude's differences either, so she was moved to another home. But then Claude was alone again--or was he?
With Bonnie gone, Claude began to interact with the five enormous snapping turtles who shared his swamp. The turtles didn't mind at all that Claude was different! And neither do the millions of people who visit him every year. They know that Claude's differences are exactly what makes him special.
Claude includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in animals.
Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was white. The other hatchings avoided him, and his color made him vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe--but alone.
One day, scientists at the California Academy of Sciences heard about him and asked the zoo if he could come and live in the Academy's swamp. He made a 2,800 mile journey to his new home, where he had a surprise--he would share his swamp with Bonnie, an alligator who the scientists hoped would be a friend for Claude.
Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't like Claude's differences either, so she was moved to another home. But then Claude was alone again--or was he?
With Bonnie gone, Claude began to interact with the five enormous snapping turtles who shared his swamp. The turtles didn't mind at all that Claude was different! And neither do the millions of people who visit him every year. They know that Claude's differences are exactly what makes him special.
Claude includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in animals.
February 6, 2021
When an albino alligator is born in the swamps of Louisiana, his differences are dangerous for him. He doesn't blend in with his environment, his eyesight is poor and his skin will get sunburned, so he was sent to special zoo in Florida, then on to a museum in California. Claude lived in an enclosure with some rescued snapping turtles. They got along great! Visitors to the museum learned about Claude, the environment and animal behavior.
I loved the story of Claude, who lives in the California Academy of Sciences. Bland's text is narrativea, but so many facts were included, it was a great read! We were excited to learn about him and hope to someday visit. I loved that there were "Common Questions" answered at the end of the book like how long Claude is expected to live, info about the snapping turtles and the difference between crocodiles and alligators.
Cross posted to: https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
I loved the story of Claude, who lives in the California Academy of Sciences. Bland's text is narrativea, but so many facts were included, it was a great read! We were excited to learn about him and hope to someday visit. I loved that there were "Common Questions" answered at the end of the book like how long Claude is expected to live, info about the snapping turtles and the difference between crocodiles and alligators.
Cross posted to: https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
December 17, 2021
my review from the Contra Costa County Books facebook page - i loved this localish book i picked up from Flashlight- "Claude The True Story of a WHITE ALLIGATOR" by Emma Bland Smith and Jennifer M. Potter. Claude is the albino alligator at the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Its a bio of how and why this beautiful creature came to live in the alligator habitat in SF. Some of my best memories are of my Sister taking me to see the aquarium and natural history museum and looking through the seahorse fence down at the gators and tossing pennies to them. The book also shows his pondmates, how he's cared for and even the stuffed animal sold at the Academy. Smith and Potter are both San Franciscans and their love of place shows in this book. (and how this fits in CoCoCobooks? - Contra Costa means "opposite coast" - the coast we are opposite is San Fransisco)
November 19, 2020
A heart-warming story about the real-life, albino alligator, Claude - a resident of the California Academy of Sciences - that had the quite the journey to finding, not only a safe home, but friends who accepted him for who he is. Claude can't live in the wild, but his lack of camouflage makes him vulnerable to predators, and other alligators simply view him as a threat. However, after a few hiccups with trying to house him with another alligator, Claude is placed with a group of turtles that don't see his differences as an issue, and they've been friends and "roommates" ever since. An FAQ in the back, and a photograph of the real Claude add to this illustrated story of a unique alligator.
August 10, 2020
A delightful and charming book about an albino alligator, based on a real albino alligator! Claude is an albino alligator who just doesn't seem to fit in, and so the story follows his journey to a new home, and hopefully to make some new friends. The plot was very sweet and from reading this I hope to visit Claude one day too! The artwork was absolutely adorable and so pretty! There are real life facts and information about Claude and albino alligators in the back of the book too!
* Thank you Netgalley for sending me this!*
* Thank you Netgalley for sending me this!*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews