Princess Cora and the Crocodile

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 24, 2017

Review

Princess Cora is being groomed to be Queen one day. The problem is her parents and nanny started grooming her at birth and now Princess Cora's life is one royal task after another from three baths a day (to stay squeaky clean as a Queen should) to a full exercise regiment (jump roping for hours) to a full-press of books on economics and history (not ONE fairy tale thrown in!). Finally, Cora can take it no longer - she needs a break, a chance to actually enjoy her childhood - so she does what any princess would, she wishes for her Godmother to bring her a pet. And, of course, she meant a dog, but she GETS a cream-puff-loving crocodile. He, of course, is sassy and happy to help. He offers to take her place for a day, giving her a much-needed respite from all of the chores (and baths). In a series of laugh-out-loud scenes the crocodile proceeds to put Nanny, Queen Mom, and King Dad in their places by making them endure what Cora does. And Cora? She thoroughly enjoys a day of unfettered childhood, picking berries, running, climbing trees, and getting dirty. When she returns to the castle and fixes all of the crocodile's "help", she is able to advocate for herself and bring about some changes. Floca's watercolor illustrations are lovely - evocative of an early British time period with castles and old-fashioned clothing, but the point is the same: the necessity of balance in childhood, and life. And it shows that if you calmly talk about how you are feeling, people are more likely to listen. A thought-provoking read-aloud and, with the right crocodile voice, a fun one too.

Overall Book Score: excellent