Alligators and Crocodiles (revised)
A great way to celebrate the alphabet is by focusing on a different animal each week, in alphabetical order, such as alligator, bear, cat, dog, etc. A storytime on alligators and crocodiles can give you the opportunity to demonstrate the difference between the two, with photos from simple nonfiction books. For a craft project, make alligator paperbag puppets: www.cleverpatch.com.au/ideas/by-product-type/masks-and-puppets/crocodile-paper-bag-puppet.
Blackstone, Stella. Alligator Alphabet. Animals represent the various letters of the alphabet.
Brooks, Erik. Later, Gator! Gator moves to a new neighborhood and tries to make friends.
Hannigan, Katherine. Gwendolyn Grace. The title character is a noisy alligator who must be quiet while her baby sister naps. With repetition that invites audience participation.
Hurd, Thacher. Mama Don’t Allow. Miles and his band play music at the alligator ball.
Jarvis, Peter. Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth. Alan the Alligator scares everyone with his big sharp teeth until the other animals discover they are false teeth!
Kasza, Keiko. My Lucky Birthday. A piglet drops by Al’s birthday celebration – is she a guest or dinner?
Ketteman, Helen. Three Little Gators. Texas is the setting of this spoof of “The Three Little Pigs.”
Lewin, Betsy. You Can Do It! With a minimal repetitive text, this story shows two alligators encouraging each other to race.
Mayer, Mercer. There’s an Alligator Under My Bed. A little boy uses food to lure the alligator into the garage in this charming tale.
Perret, Delphine. Pedro and George. Cousins Pedro the Crocodile and George the Alligator explain how they are different.
Zuill, Andrea. Dance Is for Everyone. A large alligator joins ballet class and turns out to be an excellent student.