Picture Books
Learning about crocodilians -- large reptiles such as alligators and crocodiles -- can begin before a child knows how to read. Several noted children's book authors and illustrators seem to be taken by the topic. Maurice Sendak's "Alligators All Around" is simply a silly alphabet rhyme, but the illustrations are classic and the text is catchy. "There's an Alligator Under My Bed" by Mercer Mayer is another playful book, in which a young boy outwits the alligator that menaces him at night. "Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator" is penned by Mo Willems of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" fame -- it follows the adventures of a young girl and her stuffed pal in several short segments. And don't forget the entire "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" series by Bernard Waber. Lyle is a lovable alligator who lives in New York but occasionally has problems with the neighbors.
Nonfiction Books
Silly picture books are fun, but true-life nature facts are fascinating. "Fun Facts About Alligators" by Carmen Bredeson is a breezy introduction to the natural science of the only crocodilian native to the Untied States. "Snap! A Book About Alligators and Crocodiles" by Melvin and Gilda Berger offers text suited to beginning readers. "Crocodiles and Alligators" is penned by expert science writer Seymour Simon and offers a plethora of both facts and full-color pictures. "Alligator vs. Crocodile" by Isabel Thomas explains the differences between these two animals with a playful "head to head" competition.
First Readers
Once your child starts learning to read, she can explore first readers starring alligators and crocodiles. "May I Please Have a Cookie?" and "Please Write Back!" by Jennifer Morris star an alligator named Alfie who learns to use polite words to ask for what he wants and how to write a letter to his grandmother. The "Zack's Alligator" series by Shirley Mozelle follows the adventures of an alligator who starts out small but soon becomes a big best friend.
Chapter Books
Once your child has mastered reading, he is ready for books that are light on illustrations and heavy on text. Start with Roald Dahl's classic "The Enormous Crocodile." The titular reptile desires to eat the village's children -- all of them. Fortunately, the other animals of the jungle scheme to stop him. "Chomp" by Carl Hiassen uses a reality television show set in the Everglades as its backdrop for a rollicking adventure; the alligators are more backdrop than anything else but the story is highly entertaining. In "Akimbo and the Crocodile Man" by Alexander McCall Smith, the young boy Akimbo must cross a crocodile-infested river to get help for an injured wildlife guide. "Animal Rescue Team: Gator on the Loose!" by Sue Stauffacher follows the adventures of a team of kids who, in this installment, rescue a baby alligator from the city pool.