Kids will love the suspense of wondering if the crocodile or scorpion will finally snap while the characters use humor to manage their grumpy moods.
The bright, high-contrast collage artwork creates a vivid jungle world that pops off the page and keeps young eyes glued to the action.
Children see themselves in these characters who truly want to be good but find it very difficult to resist their natural urges to poke or snap.
The simple, high-stakes journey across the river provides a clear narrative structure that allows children to anticipate the outcome and feel like experts on the story.
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with impulse control or when they keep repeating a behavior that they know gets them into trouble. It provides a playful, low-pressure way to talk about the concept of 'nature' and why it is sometimes so difficult to change how we react to the world. Using the classic fable of the scorpion and the frog as a foundation, this version features a crocodile and a scorpion who try their best to be friends despite their sharp teeth and stingers. While the story centers on the idea of biological instinct, it serves as a powerful metaphor for character development and the value of keeping one's word. The vibrant, neon-soaked artwork by the Emberleys keeps the tone light and humorous, making a potentially heavy lesson about trust and consequences feel like a fun jungle adventure. It is an excellent choice for children aged 3 to 7 who are beginning to navigate complex social interactions and the concept of personal accountability.