Crocodiles up close by Lisa McLellan

Young children love crocodiles and this beautifully photographed non-fiction book will be a popular one for borrowing from a school or public library. The full page colour photographs are surrounded by both large black and white text providing independent readers with some fascinating facts.

Crocodiles are found on most continents on Earth except Europe and Antarctica. They are semiaquatic but prefer mostly water in tropical climates. In Australia they are know as saltwater crocodiles that they can grow up to six metres, and freshwater crocodiles that grow up to three metres in length. On other continents they have different names. Crocodiles are covered in scales, have clawed feet and webbed toes on their back feet. There is further information about their various habitats, feeding habits, birthing of the hatchlings as well as their important cultural meaning for First Nations people.

Crocodiles in Australia are now protected and while they are feared they are a vital part of the ecosystem. In the final pages of the book is a valuable glossary of the bold capitalised words spread throughout the book.

Themes: Crocodiles, Habitat, Prey, Hatchlings, Behaviour, Facts, Feeding Habits.

Kathryn Beilby