Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
More pointed than Beard's The Jungle Grapevine and Monkey See, Monkey Draw, this offering also showcases his expressive, angular renderings of African animals. Working in pen-and-ink and watercolor, Beard uses wispy, swirling lines and bold shapes to create sky and flora. In the foreground, Rhino and Tickbird try to determine why Crocodile is crying. Afraid to approach him, the two go in search of "a wise golden eagle," who suggests that Crocodile might miss the elephants. "[T]heir trumpets rarely sound anymore," the eagle says, adding, "If you can find an elephant, you could ask him" about Crocodile's distress. "If you can find..." is the repeated, operative phrase in the gentle if somewhat poky narrative, which sends Rhino and Tickbird from animal to animal, some of which (Beard explains in a note) are endangered, but all of which live in an environment "under siege." The idiomatic meaning of "crocodile tears" isn't mentioned, but lest things seem too dire, Beard delivers a playful twist ending that reminds readers that a crying crocodile is still a crocodile. A photo-essay about each species underscores the book's ecological message. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-A picture book about endangered animals in Africa and the importance of protecting the environment. Rhino is curious about why Crocodile is crying. Tickbird doesn't want to ask him because crocodiles are dangerous and suggests that they ask Golden Eagle, who can fly high and see farther. He sends them to another animal and so on and so on, and all of the responses relate to the effects of human encroachment on their habitat. They finally decide to ask Crocodile himself about his weeping. And in perfect form, he explains that it's one of the things crocodiles do to keep their eyes moist-and then eats Rhino (it's another thing crocodiles do), only to spit him out on the last spread. The illustrations are lovely. The animals loom large and dominate the pages with little detail, emphasizing the grandness of each encounter. Unfortunately, the story slows down in the middle because there are so many animals to consult. In addition, the ecological theme is heavy-handed, but still could be lost on younger audiences who do not understand the concept. An author's note explains Beard's reason for the setting and the animals he chose. A beautiful book, with an important message, but one that goes on a bit too long.-Lia Carruthers, Roxbury Public Library, Succasunna, NJ (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
As they try to discover why Crocodile is crying, Rhino and Tickbird seek out and question various African animals. Is Crocodile unhappy, they wonder, because the animals and their habitats are at risk of extinction? The illustrations, with their stylized wildlife and scenery, include some eye-catching compositions. Unfortunately, while Beard's intentions are worthy, the story is contrived. Facts about the animals are appended. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
(Picture book. 4-8)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
