The Best in the World

by Derek Anderson, Derek Anderson (Illustrator)

Overview

Croc and Ally are two best friends who don't always see things the same way, but there's one thing they do agree on—their friendship comes first! In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help boost kids' confidence and create lifelong readers!

Croc is grumpy. Ally is happy. Croc sees a problem. Ally finds a solution. In The Best in the World, Ally asks Croc to help him remove his spots. After that, Ally gets ready for anything that could possibly happen that day with several silly protective measures. Finally, Croc helps Ally figure out what he is the best at being.

With three short stories, easy-to-read vocabulary, and adorable illustrations, this book is perfect for progressing readers. Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593387610
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	07/26/2022
Series:	Croc and Ally
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.40(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	450L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Derek Anderson (he/him) wrote his first story in second grade and he hasn't stopped writing or drawing since. He illustrated Little Quack, which became a New York Times Best Seller. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Editorial Reviews

"A delightful tale of friendship." —Kirkus

From the Publisher

2022-04-27
In three sweet, funny stories, a calm crocodile and an excitable alligator complement each other perfectly.

In “Ally Has Spots,” Ally the gator is upset to discover they have orange spots and further dismayed when Croc delivers the news that they will not wash off: “They are part of you.” To make Ally feel better, Croc agrees to be painted with orange spots to match Ally. In “Ally Is Ready!” Ally is outfitted in a suit of armor, armed with an umbrella and a flashlight, and claims to be ready for anything, but when Croc heads off for lunch, Ally throws off the gear and follows. Finally, in “The Best in the World,” Ally, inspired by a video of a high-jumping frog, longs to be the best at something. Ally fails at everything they try—except, Croc counters, “being Ally.” These two have the vibe of some of the best early reader duos; like Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie, they have deep affection for each other and support each other’s efforts, as silly as they may seem. Ally is lively and emotional, while Croc is steady and philosophical, gently delivering lessons to a receptive Ally—and the reader, too. The cartoonish figures in slightly different shades of green (again, like Frog and Toad) display facial expressions and body language that will help early readers make sense of their dialogue, and the humor stands up to rereading. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A delightful tale of friendship. (Early reader. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews