SOMETIMES

Emerging readers follow the adventures of a busy crocodile in this Level 1 entry in a promising series (see McPhail, below). Baker uses short, direct sentences to describe the emotional and physical experiences of an amiable crocodile. Gently validating children’s feelings, the tale explores an array of mental states, from happy to sad, embarrassed to melancholy. A refrain, “I like who I am. I like what I do,” reaffirms the crocodile’s self-worth, and gives readers a ready chant; gaily colored illustrations adorn the pages, providing visual clues to the context of the sentences. The engaging pictures and familiar experiences are a gratifying combination. (Picture book. 5-7)