Crocodile's Crossing: A Search for Home

by Yoeri Slegers

Overview

Crocodile is tired, scared, and hopeful as he searches for his new home.

Everything will be better where Im going! he thinks. But where is that?

Crocodiles Crossing: A Search for Home introduces children to the complex topic of immigration. Featuring bright artwork packed with playful details, this thoughtful tale sensitively portrays the challenges faced by refugees and other newcomers. A downloadable discussion guide is available at www.flyawaybooks.com/resources.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781947888210
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	04/21/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,123,825
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 11.25(h) x 0.00(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Yoeri Slegers is a Belgian author and illustrator known for his imaginative stories and expressive art. In addition to creating picture books, he designs CD covers, draws comics, and leads workshops for aspiring illustrators.

Editorial Reviews

"Exploring the struggles and concerns facing immigrant families with sensitivity and a touch of playfulness, Crocodiles plight will resonate with todays children. As a crocodile now living in a community of mice, there are a lot of new things for him to learn and think about. Expressive illustrations follow Crocodiles journey as he finally discovers what he needs to feel at home." Foreword Reviews

Foreword Reviews

"This story gives a sensitive look from the immigrant's point of view. Difficult conditions dislodge them from their families and homes, driving them in directions they aren't familiar with, only to find they are unwanted when they arrive. Crocodile's story portrays the challenges faced by many refugees today." —Story Monsters Ink

Story Monsters Ink

"Sensitively portrays the challenges faced by refugees...A fully endorsed and recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections."—Midwest Book Review

Midwest Book Review

"A very vibrantly illustrated book with many small details to find on each page. The incredible illustrations are sure to keep readers engaged."—Kids' Book Buzz

Kids' Book Buzz

"Crocodile's Crossing deals with the impetus for Crocodile’s decision to go as well as the fear, discrimination, and compassion he experiences along the way." ⁠—The Englewood Review of Books

The Englewood Review of Books

"Yoeri Slegers tells the story of a crocodile who needs a new place to live after realizing he's no longer safe in his homeland. . . . Although Slegers never uses the word refugee, the message comes across loud and clear."—The Christian Century

From the Publisher

2019-12-22
In this Belgian import, Crocodile must leave his home when "the trouble" comes.

" ‘Everything will be better where I'm going!' he thought. ‘But where is that?' " Crocodile's journey across the sea takes him to towering cities, arid deserts, and sparse countrysides, each more different and unwelcoming than the last. Wherever he lands, he finds hardship in many forms from various peoples, with clears signs warning him that this is "NOT YOUR LAND." He dreams himself back to "safe and happy" memories spent with friends and family, before misfortune arose and food shortages became the norm. Still, Crocodile moves on, and he's becoming "so, so tired." Then a community of mice takes him in, and Crocodile slowly integrates into their society, new experiences building fresh, happy memories. All that's missing is one crucial piece: family. As a refugee narrative, Crocodile's tale offers young readers a safe, comfortable way to broach a complex subject. In the uncredited translation, the text takes care to delineate Crocodile's journey such that it stirs compassion, just hinting at horrors left behind. Slegers' artwork, meanwhile, contributes the most to this narrative, capturing the turmoil and uncertainty of a refugee's journey in moody blues and shadows. Crocodile's teeth are prominent, but his demeanor is never ferocious. What's left unsaid in the text is made explicit in the illustrations, mainly how prejudice pops up all too easily.

A wide-eyed, open-hearted evocation of a refugee's experience. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews