Guji Guji

Reader reviewed by Tasha Saecker

Guji Guji is a crocodile who has been raised by ducks and believes that he too is a ducks, until the terrible day that he meets three evil crocodiles who want to eat his family. When Guji Guji argues that he IS a duck, they show him what is body is used for: to hunt and eat ducks. And they tell him that all crocodiles help each other, so he has to sacrifice his family to them. Guji Guji has to find a way to save his family and still allow himself to be the crocodile he is.

This story is accompanied by subtle-toned pictures that are evocative of life in a swamp. The characters are vivid with mother duck in her reading glasses and Guji Guji's colorful brothers and sisters.

When I first picked up this book it lacked the bright colors of so many children's books, but after reading it aloud to several groups of children, its story more than makes up for it. Told without a lot of words, the story is exciting and accessible and begs to be read aloud and shared. Children that I have shared it with have immediately asked for it to be read again, even at storytimes! This book touches something deep within children with its message that you can be different but still be loved by your family.

Recommended to read aloud to three year olds through first graders.