The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Thirty-Seven

I once had a friend who was seemingly  good at everything. She was a faster runner than I was, she was better at math, she did not struggle with chemistry as I did. There were times when I felt as if I lived in her shadow. Thankfully I came to realize that she valued and admired me as much as I valued and admired her. We depended on and cared about each other. Today's picture book is about two little girl crocodiles who learn a valuable lesson about friendship.

I’m not

Pam Smallcomb

Illustrated by Robert Weinstock

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Random House, 2011, 978-0-375-86115-4

   A little brown crocodile has a best friend called Evelyn, and Evelyn is everything that the little brown crocodile is not. Evelyn is creative, fashionable, artistic, imaginative, and loud. Sometimes the little brown crocodile wonders if her friend Evelyn “is from Mars” because they are so unalike. The little brown crocodile admires her friend, and sometimes she is exasperated by her. Evelyns is so larger than life that she can be a little overwhelming at time.

   Thankfully, the little brown crocodile has her own gifts and accomplishments. She can do things that Evelyn is not good at doing, and she has something to offer that is truly priceless.

   Having a friend who is good at many things can be a little bit of trial at times. What the author of this charming book shows to great effect is that even the most accomplished of people (or crocodiles) have things they are not good at. And even the most accomplished of people (or crocodiles), need to have a best friend.

   Young readers will love these two delightful little crocodile children who discover how well they compliment one another, and how precious their friendship is to both of them. Wonderfully humorous illustrations and loveable characters make this a picture book that is sure to become a favorite with young readers.