"The Tale Of Mr. Crocodile Takes Tea is an entertaining and quick read to deliver that message."
A tale of unity told through a Crocodile’s search for whether we’re all persons. The Tale Of Mr. Crocodile Takes Tea by Lance Lee sees Mr. Crocodile and his family become convinced that villagers who live on the banks of the river are persons like he is when they share afternoon tea. Mr. Crocodile then sets out on a mission to decide if all people are persons too and learns more along the way. Much like his previous book, The Tale Of The Animals' Christmas In Crouch End, this fable style children’s book sees animals anthropomorphised and displaying empathy and living companionably with those that they may not do normally in the wild and not showing the behaviour you'd normally expect from those animals. I think that the inclusion of Mr. Crocodile highlights the main theme of this story of unity. That despite different appearances, everyone deserves respect and you should be nice to everyone you meet. A positive lesson for a children’s book. The Tale Of Mr. Crocodile Takes Tea is a bit daft, there’s some moments that are quirky that will make readers smile, like the image of a crocodile emerging from a river in top hat, waistcoat and dress shoes, and I certainly laughed trying to picture how a Crocodile was even able to put a top hat on with its little arms, let alone doff it in greeting. However, the story also has a traditional feel, almost like a Roald Dahl style story- the world is as you know it aside from a couple of key elements. Stories that encourage empathy, unity and friendship despite differences, and invite care and consideration for the animals and environments around us are as vital now as they’ve ever been. The Tale Of Mr. Crocodile Takes Tea is an entertaining and quick read to deliver that message.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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