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

A crocodile ventures onto land and meets a series of animals seeking protection from predators. Fleeing from a snake, a mouse asks for help, then jumps onto the back of the crocodile, who terrifies the snake with his sharp teeth and menacing "GRRRR!" A boar, an antelope, and a rhinoceros join the mouse on crocodile's back, then leap down to chase their predators and watch them flee. In the brief tale of danger, compassion, and teamwork, the crocodile gets the last laugh. Originally published in the Netherlands, this board book features well-chosen words along with visual drama that translates well.

Kirkus Reviews

Animals under siege solicit a crocodile's help.A mouse running from a snake, a warthog fleeing a hyena, and an antelope escaping a cheetah implore "kind Crocodile" to rescue them. As each would-be victim runs up the croc's snout in terror (eventually forming a tower of animals on its back), said reptile erupts in a fearsome growl, prompting the hapless hunter to skedaddle. All seems well until a lumbering rhino, a fierce lion hot upon its heels, also appeals for assistance. As the rhino climbs on, the other animals catapult onto its back, and the rhino squashes the crocodile, rendering it speechless. A wild series of events ensues, including a welcome comeuppance for the lion and a lot of unjustified self-congratulatory comments among the formerly beleaguered animal supplicants, who seem to have forgotten to thank the crocodile for their rescues. The sly croc gets some of its own back in a teasing manner, though, and all ends on a friendly, albeit flat note; the croc's "joke" may confuse some readers. This tale, a Dutch import by way of New Zealand, is a bit on the thin side, especially on a crowded shelf of funny board books. Still, the humorously expressive illustrations are appealing, as are the prominent appearances of onomatopoeic animal howls incorporated at strategic points throughout. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A diverting read on the theme of enough-is-enough but nothing special. (Board book. 3-6)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

This large-format board book unfolds with a witty pileup—a Timmers (Elephant Island) specialty—resulting when four animals successively seek refuge on the long back of grassy green Crocodile. First on board is a frantic little rodent who implores “kind Crocodile” to save it from a marvelously villainous snake with focused eyes and a long red tongue. Crocodile, as genuinely compassionate a reptile as the title promises, not only acquiesces, it also emits a menacing “GRRRR!” that sends the snake fleeing. As other potential prey stack up vertically on the scaly reptile’s back, Crocodile remains committed to protecting each, but also appears increasingly beleaguered as the animals’ weight becomes physically crushing. In a bumpy resolution that requires a jump on the part of readers, the previously fleeing animals muster some courage and turn the tables on a hungry lion. Their triumphant comment—“Nothing can scare us ever again”—naturally provokes Crocodile, who emits a playful “GRRRR... JUST KIDDING,” reminding the group how recently they required external assistance. The story may not be quite as tight as Timmers’s previous works, but it’s a diverting reminder that kindness comes in all shapes and sizes—and sometimes requires community. Ages 2–4. (Mar.)

School Library Journal (Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Toddler-PreS— A mouse, a boar, and others board a crocodile, seeking asylum from predators, but soon crocodile is squashed under the weight. Turnabout is fair play; the crocodile gets off a good roar at the very creatures he's saved; his "just kidding" is met with "not funny." It is funny. VERDICT This is impossible to explain to the board book crowd, who don't really get why some animals chase others, and why they all cannot get along. Pass.— Kimberly Olson Fakih