Review: Grumpy the Gator

Grumpy the Gator, written by Melissa Henderson and illustrated by Mark Brayer, is a friendly book that’s easy for preschoolers and kindergarteners to comprehend. Even older kids can appreciate the message in this short story.

This tale takes place in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, and I like how the narration sets the background. It describes the frogs on the sidewalk, lizards “climbing on the side of houses,” and dolphins in the ocean. A pond sits near a house, filled with turtles, fish, and more. The illustrations complement the story with vibrant blues, greens, and yellows, and the oranges and tans match the atmosphere of summer.

The kids in the book practice keeping their distance from the alligator, whom they later call affectionately “Grumpy the Gator.” (The alligator’s scowling eyes match his new name well.)

I don’t struggle with alligators in my home state of Montana; I’ve had moose and even a couple of bears walk by my place. But the principle is still the same: steer clear of dangerous animals. At the same time, the book teaches that we don’t need to have crippling anxiety about wild creatures. The parents explain to the kids that alligators just want to be left alone, and they suggest reading books about these animals. When the kids spot the alligator, they say hello to him but don’t get too close. The last illustration shows the alligator swimming, looking as moody as ever and, as an amusing touch to this image, a smiling bird perches on top of him. Whether you live on swampy land, in the woods, or even in the city, a wild animal can show up anywhere. Grumpy the Gator demonstrates the simplest rule: treat God’s untamed creatures with respect and don’t step too near them.

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K. A. Ramstad

K. A. Ramstad lives at the foot of the Bitterroot Mountains in western Montana where deer and other wildlife regularly pass by her house. She enjoys writing about young heroes, their travels, and their talking animal friends. She wants her readers to have fun in a fantastical world while encountering God-honoring themes.

Besides creating stories, Ramstad likes reading, drawing, coffee, and being with her two dogs: her Corgi, Maggie, and her cockapoo, Benny. You can find more of her work at karamstad.com

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