My pet croc by Dani Vee and Jules Faber

Felix Marigold takes his pet croc to school to Bring Your Pet to School Day.  What could go wrong?  This is the story of a typical school, bullies, best friends and crocodiles.  Felix and his new best friend Autumn along with their pet crocodile and ferret must work together to solve the mystery of why the most dangerous creatures on earth are behaving like puppies, outsmart the four evil Caitlins and keep Jupiter safe for Felix’s eccentric Aunt Opaline. 

I love the idea of taking animals on Pet Days that aren’t your typical dog, cat, budgie and this book really shows what can happen when you do.  Felix claims that Jupiter is just a lizard, but the four Caitlins are asking questions and snooping so he must do everything to protect his aunt’s pet. 

The characters in this story are what makes this story a winner, they all have different personalities that work so well in the context of the story, from quirky Felix to Confident Autumn and the “evil Caitlins” with their designer dogs are so perfectly cast as the villains.  Aunt Opaline lends a fantastical touch to the story, and her friends certainly make the reader want to know them more or have them on their side in real life. 

This book was a joy to read, and I can see children loving the silliness of crocodiles and other dangerous creatures acting like puppies combined with the sincerity of new friends and old enemies working to solve a mystery while avoiding being caught.  The story will resonate with readers as the chaos of school life, friendship and family, albeit with crocodiles, is expressed so well.  The illustrations are brilliant and really help to move the story along and engage the reader. 

This is perfect for independent readers and would be a fabulous class read too.

Themes: Pets, Friendship, Family, Adventures, Humour, School.

Mhairi Alcorn