Children's Book Reviews

Let's Roar!

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Book Review #110

 See You Later Alligator

Author: Sally Hopgood
Illustrator: Emma Levey
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
ISBN: 9781510704216
Reading Level: Ages 3–7

Main Character: Tortoise is a slow, thoughtful friend who’s finally ready to take a trip around the world. Sort of!

Plot: Tortoise decides it’s time for an adventure, but as he bids goodbye to his friends, each animal finds a clever or comical way to delay his departure. Just when Tortoise is about to give up on his journey, there's a final surprise that changes everything.

Settings: The story begins in a cozy animal neighborhood and travels whimsically through the imagined locales of each animal farewell.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Friendship, Patience, and Humor. 

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars?
The book is bright, cheerful, and loads of fun to read aloud. Kids love guessing which animal will show up next. Though the structure might feel a tad bit repetitive for older readers.

Critical Analysis: A simple premise of animal goodbyes creates a story that entertains. The watercolor illustrations add charm and movement, capturing each animal's personality. 

While the repetition supports early literacy, some pages may feel formulaic after a few reads. Still, it’s perfect for engaging young children and building anticipation. 
Written with playful rhymes and a rolling pace perfect for read-alouds. 

"See you later, alligator!"

Connections: It’s a great springboard for preschoolers to practice sequencing events or predicting what comes next. It could be tied into a classroom farewell party, travel theme, or friendship unit.

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