Actually, the Alligator…

Every so often a picture book comes along that captures a childhood trait with beautiful aplomb. This vibrant, wittily illustrated and written story tells of Mabel, a small child who does ‘things’ and every time blames the ‘alligator’.

Interpreting whether the alligator is Mabel’s imaginary naughty friend or actually an alligator causing chaos is a dilemma for the reader, and is eventually cleared up, along with some surprises along the way.

This is a fantastic book, illustrations and text meeting wittily and pithily so that one really won’t suffice without the other. Mabel and her parents’ body language is astute and accessible, the grandmother is drawn as young (a rarity), and the creators have made excellent use of the page. An outstanding picture book about acting out and telling the truth – all with a lot of fun.