A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast

In A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast, the reader is introduced to "Croc", a friendly crocodile employed as a carrier for a ferry company. His mornings are a whirlwind, rushing to get ready for work, leaving little time to eat breakfast. And the banana he packed is brown and mushy, uneatable. Unfortunately, Hippo's donut shop is sold out, too. Struggling with a heavy load, Croc inquires with his boss if he can take an early lunch break but is heartlessly denied. Croc's hunger becomes a distraction as he daydreams about delicious food - a winking turkey, a fish in a bun, and salted monkeys, the latter especially disturbing since they comprise some of his passengers. Croc tries to distract himself with thoughts of donuts, but it only makes him more desperate for sustenance. Finally, in a moment of relief, he can enjoy his donuts when Hippo brings them to him, realizing the importance of a good breakfast in Croc’s routine. However, it is uncertain what the next morning will bring when Hippo is observed sleeping late.

In this fast-paced, exciting, and relatable tale, Larmour injects copious amounts of humour in her writing and illustration. The sentences are short and sometimes comprised of fragments, providing a sense of urgency. Speech and thought bubbles will appeal to those attracted to comic-style layouts. The cover is pleasantly tactile, with raised outlines. Croc's expressions are priceless; take note of one exceptional double-page illustration of Croc's frenzied eyes, full of many opposing colours, perfectly capturing his desperation. The colours utilized throughout, including splashy sprinkles, are rich and vibrant pastels with pops of earth tones for the animals.

A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast is a fun and interesting book that is not only enjoyable for children but also a suitable addition to all children's collections.