Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator!

Popular children's author and illustrator Mo Willems, a three-time Caldecott Honoree, presents 6 ½ stories in this engaging picture-book, which follows the ups and downs in the relationship between a young girl named Amanda, and Alligator, her stuffed eusuchian friend. Whether Amanda is bringing home a surprise for Alligator, or Alligator is plotting to return the favor, these two boon companions know how to have fun! When a third party, in the form of a fluffy stuffed panda won by Amanda's Grandpa at the zoo, enters the mix, it seems that there might be trouble ahead, until the two animals discover that they have more than just Amanda in common...

A cross between a chapter-book and a picture-book - or, more precisely, a longer show more picture-book with chapters - Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator is yet more proof that this author/artist really knows how to enter into the pre-school mindset. I loved that Amanda and Alligator have a relationship that is simultaneously loving and taunting - go get your thinking cap, and try again, Alligator! - as that felt very true-to-life to me, and also elicited a good chuckle. The artwork is pure Mo Willems, which is to say: not my personal favorite, from an aesthetic perspective, but perfectly suited to the story (and story audience) at hand. Any child with a special toy or doll will appreciate this story, especially if they've ever wondered what that companion got up to, when they weren't around. show less

This is a sweet story between Amanda and her Alligator and eventually alligator and panda. The story is divided into chapters or short stories which felt kind of unnecessary to me. I found myself wondering if the breaks served some other purpose that I just wasn't seeing. I loved the different books that Amanda read throughout the course of the story and appreciated the crayony aspects of the art style and it's general simplicity.

Amanda and Alligator are as original and engaging as any of Mo Willems diverse cast of characters. Their five and a half adventures involving various types of surprises will hook readers from the first page. Given the fact that not all of Amanda's experiences involve Alligator (an avid reader, Amanda makes frequent trips to the library while Alligator stays home), the final surprise is perhaps the best one of all.

Amanda has a toy stuffed alligator that she loves to play with. In a plot reminiscent of Toy Story, the alligator doesn't like it when she leaves him alone for long periods of time and he really doesn't like it when she brings home a toy panda. The book is divided into "6 1/2 surprising stories about 2 surprising friends" and it has a table of contents so it is a clever introduction to a chapter book. Simple illustrations in cool tones provide a counterpoint to a wonderful story about friendship. A wonderful book for children ages 3-6 which can be read in parts or as a whole.

This is a sweet story between Amanda and her Alligator and eventually alligator and panda. The story is divided into chapters or short stories which felt kind of unnecessary to me. I found myself wondering if the breaks served some other purpose that I just wasn't seeing. I loved the different books that Amanda read throughout the course of the story and appreciated the crayony aspects of the art style and it's general simplicity.

A terrific cross between a picture book and an easy reader. Great for reading to a child but with simple language and stories for kids starting to read on their own. No one does simple stories and simple illustrations like Mo Willems.

Normally Mo is brilliant. Stunningly brilliant... but this book is only sort-of brilliant. It offers 6 stories about Amanda and her Alligator. They all have some good messages - like books are good, and friends should always tell friends the truth - but they don't have the appeal of the Pigeon and Piggie-and-Elephant books.

For one thing, while Alligator is cute, he just doesn't share Pigeon's sassiness, nor Piggie's goofy, happy nature. And maybe it's just me, but Amanda's lacking something. It's almost as if she's just there as a backdrop. She's not someone my kids could relate to.

I think if you go forward without sky-high expectations you'll enjoy this book. But if you are expecting another 'Knuffle Bunny, you are going to be show more disappointed.

Pam T~
mom/blogger
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