ALA Booklist (Wed Jul 05 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

This addition to Gibbons' extensive shelf of topic books draws young readers into the world of alligators and crocodiles by first asking readers to distinguish between them. She describes the physical similarities and differences between the two most common species of the world's largest reptiles, as well as their habitats, habits, prey, locomotion, senses, communication, mating and nesting behavior, and status as endangered species. The author has chosen facts that will engage her readers, organized the information logically, and presented it in straightforward exposition. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations show both species in their likely environment. Labels are plentiful and unfamiliar terms are explained in context. Two maps show where the species can be found around the world and where they coexist in the southern United States. While Gibbons' drawings don't have the fidelity of those of some other nature artists, the plants and animals surrounding these intriguing animals are generally recognizable. Additional factoids and a Web site suggestion for further research complete the package.

Kirkus Reviews (Wed Jul 05 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gibbons's latest addresses the similarities and differences between two reptiles commonly confused by adults and children alike. Through clear, concise text, diagrams, maps, close-ups and lots of side-by-side comparisons, the author clearly delineates the characteristics that differentiate these two groups. For instance, when their mouths are closed, alligators show only their top teeth, while in crocodiles both the top and bottom teeth extend. Covering their history, geographic areas, body structure, habitat, diet, adaptations, communication, mating, child rearing and threats to survival, this is a comprehensive but accessible look at crocodilians. The prolific author's signature watercolor-and-ink artwork complements the text, supporting readers in learning the differences between alligators and crocodiles and allowing them opportunities to practice identification. As in her other books, the author eschews a glossary in favor of short definitions on the same page on which the word appears. Similarly, a pronunciation guide follows difficult words as they are introduced. Backmatter includes a page of additional facts and a web address. (Informational picture book. 4-9)

School Library Journal (Wed Jul 05 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gr 3-5 Gibbons's signature artwork splashes across the pages of this competent look at crocodilians. While indicating that there are 14 species of crocs and 2 of gators, the author focuses mainly on the American alligator and the American crocodile, disparate cousins that share a geographical environment (with the crocs mainly hugging southern Florida and the Keys). Gibbons discusses anatomical differences and similarities, mobility, hunting techniques, nest building, and parenting in her brief, readable text, using illustrations and diagrams to drive home her points. She closes with a plea for the conservation of these relics from the days of the dinosaurs and an extra page of saurian factoids. Simpler than Lisa Bullard's What's the Difference Between an Alligator and a Crocodile? (Picture Window) or Laurence Pringle's Alligators and Crocodiles!: Strange and Wonderful (Boyds Mills, both 2009), this is a colorful introduction to a pair of reptiles in our Southern states, with some toothy eye-candy on the cover. Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY