MELROSE AND CROC

The creator of the Blue Kangaroo series here offers a pair of anthropomorphic animals who have the star power to carry a series of their own. A little green crocodile has arrived in a big city at Christmastime, hoping to see Santa Claus at the big department store. Croc is all alone and vulnerable, carrying his small suitcase through the snow and waiting for morning on a park bench. At the same time in the same city, Melrose the golden retriever, a dog of considerable means, is trying to get settled in his new apartment, but he can’t get into the holiday spirit by himself. Both Melrose and Croc grow more depressed as Christmas approaches, but in a fortuitous coincidence, they crash into each other at a skating rink and quickly become friends just in time for a happy Christmas celebration together. The spare but satisfying text is a fine complement to the cheery, oversized illustrations with a retro, ’50s look. Melrose seems like a fine fellow, but little Croc is such a dear that you want to wipe away his tears and give him a hug. (Picture book. 3-8)