The Selfish Crocodile By Faustin Charles Illustrated By Michael Terry

Summary

In this heartwarming tale, a selfish crocodile who claims ownership of a river learns a valuable lesson about kindness and community. The crocodile refuses to let other animals drink or bathe in the river, causing fear and isolation. However, when he experiences a painful toothache, a brave mouse helps him by removing the bad tooth. Grateful for the mouse's kindness, the crocodile changes his ways, inviting the other animals to enjoy the river. Eventually, the creatures learn to trust him, and the once lonely river becomes full of life and harmony.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story features a large, selfish crocodile living in a river deep in the forest.
• 😀 The crocodile does not allow any other animals to drink or bathe in the river, claiming it as his own.
• 😀 All the animals in the forest are afraid of the crocodile and avoid the river.
• 😀 One day, the crocodile suffers from a painful toothache but refuses help from the other animals.
• 😀 A small mouse bravely approaches the crocodile and helps by removing his bad tooth, curing the crocodile's pain.
• 😀 The crocodile is grateful for the mouse's help and offers him a juicy nut as a reward.
• 😀 The crocodile realizes the importance of kindness and begins to change his behavior.
• 😀 The crocodile invites all the animals to come drink and bathe in the river, no longer being selfish.
• 😀 Despite being sometimes snappy, the crocodile and the animals form a friendship and enjoy the river together.
• 😀 The river becomes full of life again, with fish, tadpoles, and other creatures returning, thanks to the crocodile's transformation.
• 😀 The story teaches lessons about kindness, gratitude, and the benefits of helping others, even in unexpected ways.

Q & A

What was the selfish crocodile's attitude towards the river?

The selfish crocodile believed the river belonged to him alone. He did not want any other creatures to drink or bathe in the river, and he would threaten to eat anyone who tried.

How did the animals react to the crocodile's behavior?

The animals were afraid of the crocodile and kept their distance from the river. Whenever they were thirsty, they had to go far away to find other sources of water.

What caused the crocodile to cry out in pain?

The crocodile was in pain because of a toothache caused by a bad tooth, which made his jaw swell up and hurt terribly.

Why did the other animals hesitate to help the crocodile when he was in pain?

The animals hesitated because of the crocodile's past behavior, and they feared he might harm them if they got too close.

How did the little mouse help the crocodile?

The little mouse bravely entered the crocodile's mouth, pulled out the bad tooth that was causing the pain, and carried it away.

What did the crocodile offer the mouse after he helped with the toothache?

After the mouse helped, the crocodile offered him a juicy nut as a gift to show his gratitude.

What change occurred in the crocodile after his toothache was cured?

After his toothache was cured, the crocodile became kinder and more considerate. He no longer saw the river as just his, and he invited the other animals to drink and bathe in it.

How did the relationship between the crocodile and the other animals change after the tooth incident?

The relationship improved as the animals, no longer afraid, began to enjoy the river again. They grew to like the crocodile, even though he was sometimes snappy.

What lesson can we learn from the story of the selfish crocodile?

The story teaches us about the importance of kindness, sharing, and helping others. Even the most selfish individuals can change and form positive relationships.

What happened to the river after the crocodile changed his behavior?

The river became a thriving, shared environment again, full of fish, tadpoles, crabs, and crayfish, as the crocodile allowed the other creatures to drink and bathe in it.