I really enjoyed this book! Ever wonder what animals are thinking? Well, in this book, the animals’ thoughts come to life. Now, we see things from the animal's perspective. It is clear how humans are the cause of animal extinction. We are more interested in bird feathers for hats and cutting panda bear homes down than the animals' feelings. This book was a friendly reminder of how we should not take the earth’s animals for granted. Let's learn to appreciate nature's beauty and everything in it! ( )

Crocodile Smile is a collection of 10 songs. These songs show the world how animals see it. The songs include Piece of the Jungle, which is about the humans and animals who live in and need the jungle. Pretty Tree is sung by a panda who sits in his bamboo tree and eats. He hears a funny "chop! chop!" getting closer and closer. This menacing sound is probably a threat to the panda's home, but the panda doesn't realize the danger. Instead he asks the "strange little beast with something in his paws" if he likes bamboo. The third song in the book is sung by a Komodo dragon who doesn't understand why everyone blames him for missing princesses. Princesses have crowns, taffeta, and shiny red shoes; all of which are very unappetizing. The fourth song is from a bird's perspective. The bird talks about his feathers being used for hats, and argues that he needs his feathers to keep himself warm at night. Take It Slow is a turtle's song about enjoying nature and not being in a rush. Crocodile Smile is sung by a crocodile who is having a "horrendous day" because his girlfriend disappeared and his relationship went up in smoke. However, since he has a permanent smile, his true feelings can't show. Being Extinct is a song by a dinosaur who laments being a "dusty hunk of history...that some museum in Cleveland owns." He talks about how lonely he is, and that to prevent extinction, one must care. Pad, Pad, Pad is the song of a tiger walking through the forest. I'm an Animal discusses various aspects of animals including "eyes like a cat", "mean as a rat", and "mad as a hornet". The finishing piece is called Let It Spin, about how bumblebees and flowers need one another in a "perfect spinning circle". The song also discusses the cycle between nature and humanity, and urges the reader, "don't touch it, let it spin".
This collection of songs includes colorful drawings and fun songs that include underlying messages about deforestation, extinction, and other human interferences and misconceptions about animals. ( )