The Crossodile
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
The Crossodile is an enchanting tale that follows the journey of Hayden Hill and his pet lizard, which turns into a giant, swirling, snapping whirlwind called the CROSSODILE whenever Hayden gets overly angry. As the Crossodile wreaks havoc and terrifies Hayden's friends, he realizes he must learn to understand and control his anger to tame the Crossodile. This heartwarming and humorous rhyming story, illustrated by Ella Okstad and written by Rachel Morrisroe, highlights the importance of understanding emotions and the value of friendship.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Crossodile was feeling when he couldn't find anyone to play with?
How do you think the problem in the story could be solved differently?
What would you do if you met someone who was different from you, like the Crossodile?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood, like the Crossodile? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use an empathetic tone to discuss the emotions of the Crossodile, helping your child understand and relate to his feelings.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the Crossodile's challenges.
Highlight the importance of acceptance and friendship by discussing the interactions between characters.
Relate the story to personal experiences your child may have had, fostering a deeper personal connection to the themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness and Empathy
Explanation: In 'The Crossodile', the main character learns to understand and empathize with others' feelings rather than reacting in irritation or anger.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize and respect the feelings of their friends and family, leading to more harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to Embrace Uniqueness
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the Crossodile, despite being different, finds the courage to appreciate and embrace its unique qualities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept and celebrate their own differences and those of others around them, promoting self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Crossodile faces challenges but continues to try and overcome them, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to not give up easily when faced with difficulties in schoolwork or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The Crossodile learns the value of making and maintaining friendships, despite initial misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of building and nurturing friendships, which are essential for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The character uses creativity and logic to solve problems that arise in the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach problems thoughtfully and find creative solutions in their daily life.