Holy Crocodile! Book Review

Source

Stories of Saints and the Animals Who Helped Them by Caroline Cory. Obviously it's a book geared towards children but even as an adult, I found it interesting.  This book was sent to me by the Catholic Company Reviewer Program.  The stories in Holy Crocodile! originate from ancient legends of saints who were helped by animals to serve God's purpose.   Ms. Cory had first learned of the story of St. Roch and his dog; it so entertained her that she went on an internet search to discover additional stories of animals who helped saints.  Not saints who cared for animals but in all of these stories, the saint was the one in need of help.

In her search, she came up with 19 more unique and entertaining legends to be compiled into her book.  The illustrations are bright and vibrant which are also drawn by Ms. Cory.  She is both author and illustrator of her book.  The majority of the mentioned saints, were new to me such as St. Pachome and St. Cuthbert. One familiar saint is St. Brigid of Ireland who is well known.  However, I had not heard the legend about her and the fox.  The same could be said for St. Clare of Assisi.  I'm familiar with her story but not her special relationship with her cat.  Lots of tid bits of entertaining trivia that will captivate a young child's imagination.  In our day and age of science fiction and fairy tales, this is a wholesome book for young children.  If you're tired of secular books such as Barbie and Flat Stanley,  I think young children will springboard off of these stories and have hours of imaginary role playing fun!  It is not meant to teach your child about the saint but rather to entertain your child on the perspective that God can use all creatures for his own purpose.  If you are looking for a saint biography, this is not the book for you.

My review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I was given a complimentary copy of Holy Crocodile! for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was given.  Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Holy Crocodile! The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion Gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

Blessings,

Noreen