Crocodiles Need Kisses Too

Toe-tapping verse by Colby (Captain Bling's Christmas Plunder) suggests that creatures who seem homely, scary, or fierce want love as much as anyone: "Despite their lumpy, bumpy hide,/ toothy mouths stretched open wide,// just like me and just like you,/ crocodiles need kisses, too." Dullaghan (Max Attacks) paints two spreads for each creature, the first with the animal's threatening features more prominently on display, the second a sweeter and fuzzier view. A parade of fierce animals appears: vultures, sharks ("Forget their ragged, jagged grins,/ turning, churning, circling fins"), tarantulas ("Just like me and just like you,/ tarantulas need tickles too"). Then readers discover that the narrator is a parent speaking to a child--a child in a crocodile costume who's having a meltdown: "Regardless of your smashing tail,/ howling cry and yowling wail," the parent says, "children need affection too." The lesson that everyone deserves devotion is one worth remembering. Ages 2-5. Author's agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Scott Hull, Scott Hull Assoc. (Apr.)

Toddler-PreS-This charming picture book suggests that every living creature, no matter the species, needs to feel accepted. Even though crocodiles have "toothy mouths," porcupines have "prickly spines," and great white sharks have "jagged grins," their young all need to be loved and nurtured. Colby has chosen some of the most conventionally unlovable animals, including vultures, rattlesnakes, gorillas, and tarantulas, and her rhyming couplets convince readers that those creatures are worthy of affection. "Never mind their pouncing paws, raging roars and scratching claws, just like me and just like you, tigers need some snuggles too." Three pages of illustrations are devoted to each critter being hugged or kissed or cuddled by another of its species. Large, colorful illustrations, employing acrylic paint and digital pixels, appear in a variety of sizes and use simple shapes to create friendly-looking animals while sweetly depicting the love they share. VERDICT A great addition.--Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library, WI