The Enormous Crocodile
📘 About This Book
The enormous crocodile wants to eat a nice juicy child for lunch today and decides to leave the river to find one. Children will enjoy Roald Dahl's humour in this zany picture book, illustrated by Quentin Blake.
📖 Summary
Roald Dahl’s 1978 juvenile fiction picture book, The Enormous Crocodile, introduces readers to a delightfully wicked and boastful reptile who fancies himself the cleverest creature in the jungle. While other jungle animals are content with their usual diets, this massive crocodile has a very specific and sinister craving for his lunch: a nice juicy child. Leaving the safety and familiarity of his muddy river home, he sets off on a determined journey into the nearby town to hunt for unsuspecting young prey. Along his journey, the enormous crocodile brags loudly about his secret plans and cunning nature to the various other animals he encounters. He boasts that he is going to use a series of clever tricks and elaborate disguises to fool the children into walking right into his trap. However, the other animals of the jungle—including a hippopotamus, an elephant, and a monkey—are not impressed by his wicked ambitions. They recognize his cruelty immediately and try to warn him to turn back, but the arrogant crocodile refuses to listen to their sensible advice, convinced that his superior intellect will secure him the delicious meal he desires. Once he arrives in the town, the crocodile attempts to execute his devious plots. He transforms himself into various inanimate objects, hoping to lure children close enough to snap them up. Despite his confidence, his disguises are wonderfully transparent and rather silly, showcasing Roald Dahl’s trademark zany humor. Throughout the narrative, the tension builds as the children wander dangerously close to the beast, unaware of the lurking danger, while the local jungle animals race against time to intervene and thwart the crocodile's wicked intentions. Enhanced by the iconic, whimsical illustrations of Quentin Blake, the book delivers a visually vibrant and fast-paced reading experience. Blake’s lively artwork captures both the menacing absurdity of the title character and the playful nature of the surrounding world. The story relies heavily on Dahl’s signature comedic style, blending mildly dark humor with exaggerated cartoonish action that appeals directly to young readers. As the plot unfolds, children are invited to giggle at the crocodile's repeated failures and marvel at the cooperation of the jungle creatures who unite to stop him. Ultimately, The Enormous Crocodile stands as a classic piece of children's literature that combines suspense, silliness, and a satisfying conclusion, making it a timeless favorite for storytime reading.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features Roald Dahl's signature zany and engaging humor
Includes iconic illustrations by Quentin Blake
Short page count makes it ideal for young readers
Presents an entertaining and suspenseful plot
⚠️ Cons
Contains mildly dark themes about wanting to eat children
Very brief length might leave older children wanting more depth
✍️ About the Author
Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a British author renowned for his darkly whimsical children's books, including 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Matilda', and 'James and the Giant Peach'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who is the author of The Enormous Crocodile? +
The book was written by Roald Dahl.
Who illustrated the book? +
The illustrations were created by Quentin Blake.
What is the main character trying to eat for lunch? +
The enormous crocodile wants to eat a nice juicy child for lunch.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 1978.
What genre is this book? +
It is a juvenile fiction picture book.
