Focusing on inflection is very important in the reading of this story, otherwise it can come across as stilted or can get a bit confusing. However, certain words throughout the text are in bold to highlight where exaggeration and emphasis are required, helping the reader to draw the kids in, elicit their cries of "NO!" and get them excited to see what (or who) exactly is a crocodile's favourite thing.
This picture book is a great resource for promoting visual literacy, a large portion of the story is told exclusively through the illustrations. While this may be a little bit lost on the really young participants, older kids will delight in 'reading' the illustrations and figuring out what is going to happen.
The illustrations themselves are fun and bold, but beautifully detailed, and the overall tone of the book is one of super silliness. In fact, the warning at the front of the book perfectly surmises this by stating:
"This is a very silly book. Reading this book may cause silliness, more silliness, and in some cases, your bottom may drop off".
I am quite pleased to report however, that mine did not.
Title: What is a Crocodile's Favourite Thing?
Author/Illustrator: Ben Hawkes
Publisher: Random House Children's Publishers UK, $17.99
Publication Date: 1 January 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781780080222
For ages: 1+
Type: Picture Book
