Crocodiles do not like the toilet by Ali Rutstein & Niña Nill

Manu is off to day care when Dad reminds him to use the toilet when he is there. He tells Dad that he does so much that he forgets.  Dad tells him that even crocodiles must stop what they are doing and use the loo, as he kisses Manu’s snout and gets a friendly flick of its tail. At day care the children shuffle aside to let Manu and his tail into their circle.

Mrs Kevat asks the class to eat their fruit, then go to the toilet and wash their hands. She offers to help Manu take off his tail, but he declines, happy just to wash his hands. That done he rushes to the sandpit to join the dinosaur battle. He does feel a little squirmy, but is too engrossed in his game to do anything about it. He plays with Maya and has a little accident.  Mrs Kevat helps him change into some dry clothes, and when Manu goes back the game it is over. He plays after lunch, swinging his tail with the music. He feels squirmy again and realises that he does not want to miss out any games if Mrs Kavet had to change him again. So he asks Ravi to hold his tail while he goes to the toilet.

All is well, because when he gets back the game is still going and he joins in. He has learnt that going to the toilet does not mean missing out with his friends. This is another in the series, Personal Problems, targeting things which children may find difficult to talk about. The series includes, stories about riding a bike, having a bath and going to day care.

Each is brightly illustrated by Nina Nill, showing children involved in a range of activities with their friends. Plenty of colour and movement will attract the readers who will recognise lots of things they know well.

And Manu’s crocodile costume will encourage young readers to make one themselves.

Themes: Crocodiles, Toilet, Day care.

Fran Knight