Two Tough Crocs - Hardcover

David Bedford found his calling writing books for children after many years of working as a biology researcher. He lives with his family in England.

Tom Jellett is the illustrator of several children's books. His work has also appeared in news outlets, including The Australian and The Daily Telegraph. He lives in Australia.

Sylvester and Arnold are crocodile bullies with much in common. They both are large, disgruntled, and mean to the smaller animals that live near the swamp. The two potential foes meet by accident when they literally run into each other one day. Since each wants to be the scariest croc in the swamp, they begin to fight until an even bigger crocodile appears. “I’m called Betty,” she roars. “Betty the Bad!” How the two adversaries work together, though unintentionally, to save themselves from Betty—and also save face—makes for an animated read-aloud. Children will enjoy how Sylvester, Arnold, and Betty all get a deserved comeuppance and take note of the fact that there’s always a bigger and badder bully out there, so it makes sense to acquire friends instead of enemies. Pair this with Keiko Kasza’s The Rat and the Tiger (2007) for another entertaining tale of bullying, rude awakenings, and friendship. Preschool-Grade 1. --Maryann Owen