THE CROCODILE BLUES

Digitally generated silhouette art in heavily saturated hues gives this nearly wordless tale spectacular visual punch and, like the plot, has a free-range, improvisational air. When the small egg that they’ve brought home hatches in the night into a full-sized crocodile, a gent and his cockatoo flee into the street, then find a new apartment. Receiving a printed invitation, however, they go back—to discover that the croc, actually a friendly sort, has converted their town house into a nightclub that proudly serves—“Ta-Da!”—soft-boiled eggs. It works better in the viewing, as each page turn reveals a hilarious twist or surprise that is conveyed, as often as not, on a lateral, double or rising gatefold. A bright and breathless outing for which children will happily supply their own commentary. (Picture book. 5-7)