Croco

4.3

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Author(s)

Azul López

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Kit Maude

Publisher

Tapioca Stories

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

October 28, 2025

ISBN

979-8988749974

Buy This Book

“Three cheers for this resourceful reptilian!”―Kirkus Reviews

In a vibrant tropical jungle, Croco the Crocodile has fallen into a hole and can't climb out. Different animals come along to try to help him, but in the end, he must find his own way out.

This charming picture book for early readers teaches us about resilience and the importance of helping others, no matter the obstacles in our way. Croco, the protagonist, tries to follow the advice of his friends to escape his predicament, only to realize the solution was within him all along. The story builds tension as Croco remains trapped, culminating in a satisfying ending that restores harmony and marks his growth. A simple story about an everyday problem, this book draws readers in with its steadily building suspense.

Set in a lush tropical jungle full of vibrantly colored animals, the book's illustrations create striking visual contrasts across different scenes. Croco, positioned at the bottom of the page, tries various strategies to climb out of the hole, while the animals above him attempt to assist him. The carefully composed artwork features expressive brushstrokes and meticulously arranged characters, establishing a dynamic visual rhythm between the two planes--the world above, where the animals try to help, and the world below, where the bright red protagonist struggles to escape his accidental trap. Young readers will root for Croco as he navigates his challenges, making this a heartwarming tale of perseverance and friendship.

Editor review

1 review

Story about Perseverance and Friendship

November 04, 2025 (Updated: June 06, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Croco the Crocodile has fallen into a hole and can’t seem to get himself out, no matter how hard he tries. Several animal friends come out to give Croco suggestions as to how to get out. They even work together to try to help him out, only to find that Croco has to find his way out on his own.

What I Liked: This book opens by placing us into a tropical jungle with Croco, who ends up trapped in a hole and can’t figure out a way out. Each page takes us through different suggestions that Croco’s friends give him to get out, such as wrapping around a tree and spinning up, or flapping really hard to fly. These moments add a bit of humor to the book as we know that crocodiles can’t fly or slither like a snake. The solution that Croco comes up with is fun and shows how even in crisis, the things we do, like crying, can help up through a difficult situation.

The illustrations throughout the book help place you in a tropical jungle that is full of beautiful, colorful animals such as snakes, birds, and monkeys. The layout of this book is different, making for a fascinating read as the layout separates Croco on the bottom of the page with the animals trying to help him on the top page above him.

Final Verdict: Croco is a sweet picture book that teaches children about determination and the importance of helping others and standing with them when they need to do something themselves. Children ages 5 and up will delight in this story as they root for Croco to escape the hole that he is trapped in. Adults can also use this to engage children, as you see if the suggestions that the other animals provide would help Croco, and ask the children to guess how Croco is going to escape.