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Oliver and His Alligator | July 16, 2014

by Paul Schmid (Disney-Hyperion, June 2013)

Oliver isn’t so excited about starting school – in fact, he’s having a hard time feeling brave about it. So he stops at a swamp on the way and picks and alligator to bring along…just in case. The alligator proves quite useful, gobbling up everyone and everything Oliver isn’t so sure about, from his teacher, to his classmates, to the entire classroom. Things aren’t so scary anymore…but Oliver soon realizes they aren’t so fun either!

Schmid’s illustrations are sparse but full of feeling, with each change in Oliver’s expression and slight blush to his cheeks adding a layer of thoughtfulness to this silly situation. The alligator himself bulges comically as he “munch munches” everything in sight, filling the page as he stuffs everyone inside. These playful illustrations will make even the most squeamish of readers quite comfortable with the idea of all the characters finding themselves deep in his belly. Schmid, also the author of Hugs from Pearl, offers a funny but meaningful story that will set children at ease about trying new things.

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