CHEZ BOB

A reptile cleverly lures his favorite prey.

Bob, a rapacious, lazy alligator, expects birds to fly into his mouth without his lifting a claw. Observing how they home in on seed scattered atop grass, he devises an ingenious idea for enticing feathered types to flock his way: opening a restaurant. By sprinkling birdseed (well-seasoned, so customers will be especially flavorful) on his snout, Bob figures unsuspecting birdies will zoom to “Chez Bob” so he can gobble them up. The first satisfied diner promises to recommend the place; Bob decides to forgo eating him. Soon, the restaurant attracts a global clientele, a new town thrives around it, and Bob becomes a civic-minded entrepreneur. By this point, readers will have noticed a shift in Bob: He hasn’t swallowed any customers, despite ample opportunities and repeated self-reminders to do so. When a storm breaks and Bob invites his winged neighbors to shelter between his jaws, kids might believe the climax has arrived. What happens next proves a devious alligator can change and kindness and friendship can prevail over predaciousness (though Bob expects accolades for being selfless—he is not entirely reformed). Readers will laugh at this funny story, told mostly via Bob’s hilariously self-centered, dryly witty dialogue. He’s a riotous hoot whose nature is shown to develop subtly, and kids will cheer for the heartwarming ending. Appropriately droll illustrations perfectly match the lively shenanigans and depict Bob with a toothy, expressive mug.

This is one to devour.