– Bzzzz…Time For Work –
Praise For Older Books
- Author: Giovanna Zoboli
- Illustrator: Mariachiara di Giorgio
- Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 2017)
- Genre: Picture Book
- Hardcover: 32
- Words: 0
My Thoughts:
Typically a wordless story isn’t included in my favorite books. But I would say the fun illustrations and twist at the end of the story, are what caused me to rank this high.
We see crocodile getting up to the noise of an alarm, brushing his teeth, choosing the right tie, eating, and heading to work on a crowded train. The illustrations are of both humans and animals on their way to work. Or at least that can be assumed.
Most accept crocodile as though he’s just one of the crowd. However, a few look a bit oddly at him. The illustrations convey lots of emotions and information. You may notice some signs in the illustrations have words, but they are unfamiliar. That’s because the book was originally published in Italy.
Though it may seem mundane and uninteresting that a crocodile is going to work, I think you will find the illustrations carry the lack of text beautifully. And the end of this story will probably surprise you, at least it did me.
What Concerned Me:
Some may jump to the conclusion that this story isn’t quite kid-friendly. In fact, in all honesty, I wondered the same thing as I started looking at it. But after completely finishing the book I changed my thinking. I’m positive children will love poring over these illustrations and telling their own story.
What I Liked Most:
The illustrations are extraordinarily well done and even funny in places. I also think the ending completely, well maybe not completely, made the book, but it went a long way toward making this book memorable.
Join me next Sunday for another review of one of my favorite older books.
Teaching Aids:
How to make a Crocodile with MOVING jaw
The Power of wordless picture books
4 Ways to Teach With Wordless Picture Books
About The Author:
Giovanna Zoboli has over thirty titles, which are published in Italy and abroad. He lives and works in Milan.
