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Alligator Boy
A boy is just plain tired of being a boy. So, he becomes an alligator--and it suits him just fine! His worried mother is comforted by the vet, who reassures her that all will be well, as long as the young alligator boy continues to attend school, of course. Whether scaring the class bully with his commanding grin or singing from his impressive snout in the choir, this brand-new lizard is ready to live his life with great green gusto.
With Cynthia Rylant's buoyant rhyming text and Diane Goode's irresistible illustrations, this inspired celebration of the power of a child's imagination is full of whimsical details and reptilian glee.
With Cynthia Rylant's buoyant rhyming text and Diane Goode's irresistible illustrations, this inspired celebration of the power of a child's imagination is full of whimsical details and reptilian glee.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
513 books860 followersAn author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 21, 2019
When I came across this book, my first thought was, "What the heck is this?!" Alligator Boy is actually a funny story about imagination, acceptance, and being yourself... even if that self is scaly and green.
A little boy decides he's had enough of being a little boy, so his aunt sends him an alligator costume. He wears it everywhere. His dad accepts him, but his mom is worried and calls for the doctor (who tells her to call a vet)! The vet basically just tells the parents to accept the kids and let him do his own thing... but he still has to go to school. At school, the alligator has to deal with a bully, but after that, he finds he quite enjoys learning.
The boy is happiest as an alligator, and the overall message of the book is just being yourself. Who's the kid hurting? Nobody. If being an alligator makes him happy, then he should get to be happy. I'm not quite sure if there would be such open attitudes at the time this book is apparently set (based on the clothes and technology, it appears to be the early 20th century), and such a child would likely be put in the corner and his costume confiscated. But I kind of like the fact that the author and illustrator took some artistic license here and combined the old-fashioned setting with the modern message. It makes for a really cute book.
Overall, this is a great picture book. I'd never heard of it before... but now that I've read it, I doubt I'll forget it!
Quotable moment:
A little boy decides he's had enough of being a little boy, so his aunt sends him an alligator costume. He wears it everywhere. His dad accepts him, but his mom is worried and calls for the doctor (who tells her to call a vet)! The vet basically just tells the parents to accept the kids and let him do his own thing... but he still has to go to school. At school, the alligator has to deal with a bully, but after that, he finds he quite enjoys learning.
The boy is happiest as an alligator, and the overall message of the book is just being yourself. Who's the kid hurting? Nobody. If being an alligator makes him happy, then he should get to be happy. I'm not quite sure if there would be such open attitudes at the time this book is apparently set (based on the clothes and technology, it appears to be the early 20th century), and such a child would likely be put in the corner and his costume confiscated. But I kind of like the fact that the author and illustrator took some artistic license here and combined the old-fashioned setting with the modern message. It makes for a really cute book.
Overall, this is a great picture book. I'd never heard of it before... but now that I've read it, I doubt I'll forget it!
Quotable moment:
November 24, 2017
Text-to-Teaching
This book would be great for role-playing. It involved a young boy who was simply tired of being a boy. His aunt then sent him an alligator costume, which eventually turned him into the animal. For an creative response activity, I would read a book to the children that is similar in the sense of being someone different than yourself for the day. To following up, I would have the children to reenact the story in their costumes and explain each character. Or for an alternative, I would also have the class make a face mask of different animals/ characters and wear them while reenacting the story.
This book would be great for role-playing. It involved a young boy who was simply tired of being a boy. His aunt then sent him an alligator costume, which eventually turned him into the animal. For an creative response activity, I would read a book to the children that is similar in the sense of being someone different than yourself for the day. To following up, I would have the children to reenact the story in their costumes and explain each character. Or for an alternative, I would also have the class make a face mask of different animals/ characters and wear them while reenacting the story.
September 23, 2017
Hmm. Well. Let's just say, I wouldn't peg Alligator Boy as written by Cynthia Rylant.
This is a story of a boy who no longer wants to be a boy; he wants to be somebody new. So, his aunt sends him an alligator costume and once the boy puts it on, he decides to live "a good green life."
First and foremost, it's a tale of acceptance. The alligator boy looks differently than everyone else, but he attends school and carries on as any child, going on field trips and singing in music class.
Meanwhile, it's also an allegory for young people who do not identify with their gender or otherwise. For one, the initial reaction from the boy's mother is worry, and she calls the doctor, who claims it's normal. Eventually, she comes to love her son in the costume. In addition, the boy never returns to being a boy. He is content to stay an alligator boy.
Either way, it's a story of finding a way to feel completely yourself and lead a full life in the process.
This is a story of a boy who no longer wants to be a boy; he wants to be somebody new. So, his aunt sends him an alligator costume and once the boy puts it on, he decides to live "a good green life."
First and foremost, it's a tale of acceptance. The alligator boy looks differently than everyone else, but he attends school and carries on as any child, going on field trips and singing in music class.
Meanwhile, it's also an allegory for young people who do not identify with their gender or otherwise. For one, the initial reaction from the boy's mother is worry, and she calls the doctor, who claims it's normal. Eventually, she comes to love her son in the costume. In addition, the boy never returns to being a boy. He is content to stay an alligator boy.
Either way, it's a story of finding a way to feel completely yourself and lead a full life in the process.
May 4, 2021
Got this one out because my kid loves alligators and loves Cynthia Rylant, so we were like - how can we resist? It was a solid 3 though, not because of anything in particular but it was just a small story without exactly enough there to really grab hold of you. But at the same time it's a fun and unique story, about a little boy who likes his alligator costume so much he just wears it all the time and becomes an Alligator Boy. My 3.5 year old and I both enjoyed it and found the final rhyme "what a good green life, for an alligator boy" really stuck with us. I feel like some of the rhythm was a bit off throughout, or the meter kept changing, but all in all it was a good one with a sort of cozy feel, and I really enjoyed the illustrations.
February 23, 2018
When a boy decides he is done being a boy, he'd rather be somebody new, he chats with his auntie who lived in a faraway land, and she knew just what to do. With a new alligator head and tail, he became a fine alligator boy and no longer just a boy. He explains to his family that he is a lizard now and no longer a boy, and hopes that they still like him. His family goes to great lengths to accommodate and accept this new boy.
This is a sweet story for anyone who has a toddler, child, that is going through different stages in life and trying to figure out who they are. The theme of acceptance and fitting in, expressing yourself and having others listen is prominent. More importantly, love.
This is a sweet story for anyone who has a toddler, child, that is going through different stages in life and trying to figure out who they are. The theme of acceptance and fitting in, expressing yourself and having others listen is prominent. More importantly, love.
June 7, 2023
There's a lot to love in this fable. The boy gets to be what he wants to be, even though mom has a little trouble accepting him at first. He does just fine with dad, other children, school. He's happy.
But - as a fable about accepting and loving people in all their diversity, it fails. After all, the boy can take off his costume any time. An African-American child, or a gay child, cannot.* Even if the option as shown in this book is never exercised, it's there.
Also I'm not too sure why this is set in the past, early 20th century it seems.
(*And nor should they made to want to, of course.)
But - as a fable about accepting and loving people in all their diversity, it fails. After all, the boy can take off his costume any time. An African-American child, or a gay child, cannot.* Even if the option as shown in this book is never exercised, it's there.
Also I'm not too sure why this is set in the past, early 20th century it seems.
(*And nor should they made to want to, of course.)
September 17, 2018
The illustration style of Diane Goode was reminiscent of Ginger Pye books so I liked the book right away.
It was a silly, rhyme book about a boy wanting to be n alligator. I honestly thought the ending would be different. I knocked off a star because the boy didn't accept himself for who he is. I guess the message was to accept everyone the way they are and want to dress. I rather an alternative ending but it was still a nice read.
It was a silly, rhyme book about a boy wanting to be n alligator. I honestly thought the ending would be different. I knocked off a star because the boy didn't accept himself for who he is. I guess the message was to accept everyone the way they are and want to dress. I rather an alternative ending but it was still a nice read.
February 12, 2019
A little boy is bored with himself so he puts on an alligator suit and watches as his perspective changes.
Written for children but a story that definitely resonated with me. I remember feeling like a new person every time I went to a new school because it felt like an opportunity to reinvent myself. Often times the only thing we need in life is a change of scenery, a new way of looking at the world.
I feel like I need some of these days.
Written for children but a story that definitely resonated with me. I remember feeling like a new person every time I went to a new school because it felt like an opportunity to reinvent myself. Often times the only thing we need in life is a change of scenery, a new way of looking at the world.
I feel like I need some of these days.
March 12, 2019
I expected more from this great author/illustrator team. A boy tires of being a boy and, with the help of a costume, role-plays being an alligator. Adults in his life are wonderfully tolerant of his fantasy. Rhyming text simple and fun.
September 15, 2017
Not entirely sure what to make of this story, even though I adore most of Rylant's books.
May 12, 2018
An interesting fantasy. Great imagination and fun rhyming patterns. I didn’t love the illustrations and the story was short and uneventful.
May 18, 2018
An alligator is NOT a lizard!
January 31, 2023
Just a cute, simple story of a boy being an alligator.
April 26, 2016
This story is a very fun and cute book about a young boy who does not want to be a boy, but he wants to be an alligator instead. Since he wants to be an alligator he decides he is going to be one! His mother is worried about his but the Veterinarian tells her that he can still live his normal life! While I was reading this I was so into it! As a kid I had always wanted to pretend that I was something that I wasn't such as an animal or character but was always sad that I could not actually change. This little boys did though and I wish that this could happen! I would recommend this book to all children because this story really promotes imagination and creativity! I think that this is really important because as people get older creativity sometimes dies down, this story brings you to think of the "what ifs" and it is very sweet! I would have loved this book as a child and I will have it for my children one day in my classroom!
December 5, 2015
A young boy decides that he no longer wants to be a boy he wants to be somebody new. His aunt sends him a box and inside that box was an alligator suit. His mom was worried and wanted her son back she called a doctor but needed a vet. The vet said to teach him and feed him and all would be fine. So the little alligator boy went to school because he loved to learn and stood up to bullies, for he loved life as an alligator boy. I really loved this book, the rhythmic text was a great addition to the story and made it a really fun read. The illustrations were cute, and gave you a good visual of what he alligator boy was actually like. I think this book really demonstrates a child's ability of imagination and how fun thinking about impossible things can be. I also believe that it offers a good message of standing up to bully's and not having people get you down.
January 18, 2014
This is a silly book, lacking depth. It is cute, but compared to Rylant's other stellar stories, I cannot recommend this one.
A young boy was tired of being a human -- a boy.
When his mother took him to a Natural History museum, he noticed a stuffed alligator.
From that time forward, he longs to become an alligator. Lucky for him, his distant Aunt sends an alligator costume, which he proceeds to wear everywhere, including to school, at home and in bed.
As the ending notes:
"What a good green life for an alligator boy!"
A young boy was tired of being a human -- a boy.
When his mother took him to a Natural History museum, he noticed a stuffed alligator.
From that time forward, he longs to become an alligator. Lucky for him, his distant Aunt sends an alligator costume, which he proceeds to wear everywhere, including to school, at home and in bed.
As the ending notes:
"What a good green life for an alligator boy!"
July 23, 2009
I think that I would give this unusual Cynthia Rylant story one and a half stars.
"Alligator Boy" is not at all typical of Cynthia Rylant picture books, so I get the sense that perhaps there is a deeper message being conveyed. For one thing, the boy never does seem to become interested in shedding his alligator guise and becoming a boy again, which is what I expected at the end of the book. This is interesting, even if I did not fully fathom the meaning.
"Alligator Boy" is not at all typical of Cynthia Rylant picture books, so I get the sense that perhaps there is a deeper message being conveyed. For one thing, the boy never does seem to become interested in shedding his alligator guise and becoming a boy again, which is what I expected at the end of the book. This is interesting, even if I did not fully fathom the meaning.
April 9, 2011
This is a good book for beginning readers because it’s not too long and the vocabulary isn’t too difficult, so I would recommend it for kindergarten level. A boy wants to be different, so his aunt sends him an alligator costume. He wears the costume everywhere becoming an alligator boy. That's basically the story.
August 16, 2011
This is simple absurdist humor and it was a lot of fun to read. The boy decides to wear an alligator suit because he doesn't want to be regular old boy anymore. Everyone treats him like an alligator, including his mother who at first goes off the deep end a bit and calls for medical attention, but later loves and accepts him for the loving alligator he's become.
August 12, 2016
Our story time crowd listened raptly to this delightful story about a boy who receives an alligator costume and wears it daily to school. The children loved "roaring" the bullies away. The text is in verse, but not forced.
For more information rhyming and reading readiness, follow this link: http://www.kidzone.ws/prek_wrksht/rea... .
For more information rhyming and reading readiness, follow this link: http://www.kidzone.ws/prek_wrksht/rea... .
March 21, 2013
I was not excited after reading this book. I believe the author created a brave character of a boy once he is not himself to encourage students to try new things, but the only thing I could use this book for in my classroom would be the stylistic writing. The author stretches one sentence across two pages to create a tone and produce emphasis.
September 20, 2022
This story feels kind of bizarre to me, but that doesn't seem to bother the kids I'm reading it to. Since it reads aloud nicely, with just one hiccup in the rhyme and rhythm (I'm looking at you, "He found his dear dad and told him the story | of being a lizard, no longer a boy."), and the kids like the dinosaurs in the museum, I think I'll stick with it as my "a is for alligator" book.
September 17, 2010
This was a cute book about a boy who doesn't want to be a boy anymore so he dresses up as an alligator. It is funny how the people around him react to his new appearance. The illustrations in the book are alright.
September 20, 2011
A little boy doesn't want to be a little boy anymore, so an auntie sends him an alligator tail. Mother is worried and calls the doctor, then the vet, but the vet says he just needs to go to school. Darling story of a little boy with a great imagination.
July 25, 2016
The pictures were darling and I really wanted to like this better than I did. The rhyming was too awkward for my enjoyment. That being said, I think the target audience will find this one a clear winner. My students reviewed it quite positively.
August 20, 2015
A boy looking for a change becomes an alligator, which is just fine with the local vet, as long as he goes to school. It is OK to be different, especially when one is comfortable in one's alligator skin.
July 8, 2016
The grandchildren ( 3 1/2 and 5 1/2) enjoyed this book. Their mother nixed it when she heard it. The news from Disney World is still fresh. We live in Florida. She wants nothing to do with humanizing alligators. They are DANGER.
August 31, 2007
A strange, but sweet story about a boy who wears an alligator head and tail all the time.
November 2, 2008
simple
uncomplicated
cute illustrations
cute story
nice rhythm and rhyme
uncomplicated
cute illustrations
cute story
nice rhythm and rhyme
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews