Brock the croc by Adrian Beck and Dean Rankine

Brock the Croc is an entertaining, fast-paced adventure written by Adrian Beck, with dynamic black-and-white illustrations by Dean Rankine. This short novel, cleverly combining text and graphic elements, takes readers on a wild ride through the lively Saltbush Swamp, a place where the animals live happily and have fun, all under the watchful eye of their legendary crocodile friend, Brock.

Brock is admired by all the swamp's inhabitants, hailed as a hero and the epitome of bravery, but the story takes a dramatic turn when Grunter and the humans arrives on the scene. Grunter is the quintessential villain - a greedy, selfish property developer with plans to transform the world into a concrete jungle, beginning with beautiful Saltbush Swamp. This powerful and putrid character brings a wave of anxiety and fear to the otherwise peaceful community, threatening their idyllic way of life. The fate of Saltbush Swamp hangs in the balance, and it's up to Brock to prove if he's truly the legend everyone believes him to be or just a pretender basking in unwarranted glory.

Packed with humour and gags galore, Brock the Croc will appeal to readers who enjoy a good laugh, along with action and adventure. The vivid illustrations by Dean Rankine perfectly complement Beck’s lively storytelling, bringing the characters and setting to life with energy and charisma. The book is ideal for young readers who are drawn to fast-paced narratives and visual storytelling, making it a great choice for those transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

Beneath the humour and action, Brock the Croc delivers a heartfelt message about courage, friendship, and standing up to protect what matters most. With an underlying message of environmental protection and avoiding overdevelopment, this book packs a punch and will have you eagerly awaiting the next instalment.

Themes: Conservation, Wildlife, Perseverance, Teamwork, Friendship, Causation, Problem Solving.

Michelle O'Connell