Crocodile Tears

A wonderfully zany tale from the inimitable pen of Roger McGough, about a crocodile who comes to London – and his experiences.


The crocodile said to the chimpanzee,
“Chimpanzee, I want to be free.
The jungle jangle’s not for me.”

Bored with jungle life, and deciding 'a croc's gotta do what a croc's gotta do', a young crocodile, cleverly disguising himself as a large banana, is transported to London. He's promised to write to his mum every day, and his letters start off full of fun and excitement as he describes the big city from a crocodile's point of view. But then winter comes. Cold and hungry, he cries real tears, not the crocodile kind: 'I had my fill of city life, It made me ill'. It's time to go back to the jungle, and tell his friends all about his amazing experiences.

Crocodile says goodbye to the jungle and heads for the bright lights of London to find freedom and adventure. But despite the famous sights, city life on a stone-cold street begins to pall...
Will crocodile tears become real tears for friends, family and home?

A fantastic picture book for reading aloud by poetry legend Roger McGough and award-winning animator Greg McLeod.

"Quite genuinely the funniest picture book I've read in a very long time! Hilarious rhyming text, lots of visual fun and silliness too! Absolutely delightful!"

"For everyone who loves laughing and poetry full of world play...wonderfully funny and brilliantly illustrated."

"An absolutely brilliant read aloud tale...Roger McGough's narrative verse is bursting with wit...The inherent humour is wonderfully reflected in Greg McLeod's delectably quirky scenes...absolutely priceless."

"Lovely poetic text and a lesson to appreciate where you are, the grass isn't always greener!"

"This book has us in its of giggles...with plenty to look at and talk about, McLeod's quirky scenes add to the charm of this fantastic picture book. A fun read-aloud by poetry legend Roger McGough and award-winning animator Greg McLeod."

"In this glorious picture book, words and pictures work in seamless harmony to portray the adventures and feelings of a restless, young adventurer...Funny, touching, insightful, with plenty to look at and talk about - sure to be a firm favourite with children and adults."

"With witty, rollicking verse and poignant letters from the crocodile to her mother, this is a fantastic picturebook for reading aloud in class...packed with witty wordplay."

"Full of humour, the text is a joy to read aloud as it bounces along, tripping of the tongue, full of rich language and imagery...The illustrations are a joy...Both funny and touching, full of things to discuss and explore."

"Do you like funny poems, word play and witty pictures? You need to read Crocodile Tears, a zany rhyming picture book published by the brilliant Otter-Barry Books."

"Full of humour - both verbal and visual - this is a hugely enjoyable read aloud both for listeners and presenters of the saga."

"Described as the 'patron saint of poetry', Roger McGough has written this humorous and entertaining picture story...the language, word play and quirkiness of the crocodile's story will appeal to readers of all ages. Greg McLeod's expressive and detailed illustrations match perfectly with this witty story."

"Coming from such an experienced poet, it is no surprise that there is imaginative word play right from the titles of this enjoyable and original picture book… Children might also create their own words, because like Lewis Carroll, McGough is inventive with 'slidder' and 'squibbling'; and they will love the humour and rhythms… The colourful animation-like illustrations are as quirky as the text and will appeal to children throughout KS1.."

Roger McGough is probably Britain's most famous and best-loved poet, author of over 50 books for adults and children. Born in Liverpool in 1937, he originally rose to fame as a member of The Scaffold, the pop music/poetry group whose most famous song was 'Lily the Pink'.


Greg McLeod is an illustrator and animator, winner of an Association of Illustrators Gold Award for his work on the BBC comedy animation 'Sticks' and has had frequent BAFTA nominations for his work for children. He lives in Stratford on Avon.

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