The Enormous Crocodile Book Review: Roald Dahl's Funny Classic
Roald Dahl's classic about a greedy crocodile who wants children for lunch, and the jungle animals who stop him. Story, characters, illustrations and lessons.
Some children love a villain. Read them a story where a greedy crocodile plots to eat children for lunch, and they will shriek, hide behind a cushion, and then ask for it again.
That is the magic of Roald Dahl. In this The Enormous Crocodile book review we look at the story, the characters, Quentin Blake's pictures and what children take away from it.
The short answer The Enormous Crocodile is a classic children's book by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake. A greedy crocodile uses clever tricks to try and catch children for lunch, but the other jungle animals team up to foil his plans. It is funny, a little dark, and carries a clear lesson: greed and selfishness lead to a downfall.
ISBN: 978-0140568226
The Enormous Crocodile book review: what the story is about
The Enormous Crocodile is determined to eat some juicy children for lunch. He has a whole list of clever tricks to catch them.
But the other animals in the jungle know exactly what he is up to. They team up to stop him, and as he tries each devious idea, the story turns into a wild and funny adventure full of Dahl's wit and imagination.
Why children keep asking for it
Roald Dahl mixes humour, suspense and a touch of darkness in a way that keeps children hooked. The crocodile is frightening, but he is also ridiculous.
The memorable characters and the moral, that being greedy and selfish will eventually lead to your downfall, work for readers of all ages.
Meet the characters
- The Enormous Crocodile: cunning and greedy, and he loves to eat children. His over-the-top villainy is what makes him both scary and fascinating to young readers.
- Muggle-Wump the Monkey: a kind-hearted monkey who warns the children about the crocodile's plans.
- Trunky the Elephant: strong and brave, and crucial in stopping the crocodile's schemes.
- Humpy-Rumpy the Hippopotamus and the Roly-Poly Bird: other jungle animals who help protect the children.
Quentin Blake's illustrations
Quentin Blake's distinctive, expressive drawings bring the story to life. His lively, slightly chaotic style adds to the humour and energy of Dahl's writing.
The pictures make the characters and their antics even more vivid, which helps younger listeners follow along.
The Enormous Crocodile book for kids: how it helps
Moral lessons
The story shows the consequences of greed and dishonesty in a way children understand easily.
Imagination and creativity
Dahl's inventive plot and Blake's pictures nudge children to invent their own stories and games.
Language
Dahl's playful words introduce new vocabulary and build a love of language.
Read-aloud tip Before each new trick, stop and ask, "Which animal do you think will stop him this time?" Children love guessing who saves the day.
The book comes in hardcover, paperback and e-book, so it works as a read-aloud for little ones and as an independent read for older children.
About the author, Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is one of the most loved children's authors of all time, known for imaginative stories, memorable characters and clever use of language. His books have been translated into many languages and are still enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Similar books
- "The Twits" by Roald Dahl, another mix of mischievous characters, humour and a moral
- "The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson, where a clever mouse outwits a monster
- "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, about imagination, wild adventures and misbehaviour
Gift it right: The Enormous Crocodile as a birthday gift
A funny classic with a jungle full of animals is one of the easier books as birthday gifts for kids, because it gets read again and again. Add a name label inside the cover so it comes home from school, and a name sticker on the wrapping.
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58% offSee all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.
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Frequently asked questions
Who wrote The Enormous Crocodile?
Roald Dahl wrote it, and Quentin Blake illustrated it.
What is The Enormous Crocodile about?
A greedy crocodile tries clever tricks to catch children for lunch, and the jungle animals team up to foil his plans.
What lesson does The Enormous Crocodile teach kids?
That being greedy and selfish eventually leads to your downfall.
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