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Gabby and Gator
Gator has just never seemed to fit in with the other neighborhood pets...probably because he has a nasty habit of eating the other neighborhood pets. Flushed down the toilet as just a little snapper, Gator spends his days alone in the sewers... On the streets above, little Gabby has never seemed to fit in with the other kids in town. She'd rather collect bottles and practice her tuba than gossip with the girls down at the pool, but it does get lonely being the only vegetarian on the block... When Gabby and Gator meet, their fun and adventures prove that the best friends are those who accept you as you are, teeth and all!
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
James Burks
24 books165 followersI've worked as an artist in the animation industry for companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects I've worked on include the Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, the Iron Giant and the television shows, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, the Dinosaur Train and most recently on Cartoon Network's PowerPuff Girls.
I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.
I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 13, 2017
This is a kids graphic novel about a girl who's an outsider and is bullied by mean cheerleaders and football players and just generally not treated well by her peers, and an alligator who is flushed down a toilet as a tiny pup because he's, well, an alligator. They both live lonely lives until they meet each other.
The art is wonderful and adorable and alone makes this book, I think, worth reading. I really love the aesthetic and also the places in the book where the Gabby is playing her tuba and Gator is dancing. (Also, the tuba goes "burp" "burp" "burp".)
On the other hand, there's nothing too interesting or original about the storyline. It's a bit predictable and lazy as far as characters and action go. And there's this weird focus on what a "good" alligator should or shouldn't eat. At moments it allows for humor, but in others, it's just kind of distracting.
Look forward to checking out what else James Burks has been up to.
The art is wonderful and adorable and alone makes this book, I think, worth reading. I really love the aesthetic and also the places in the book where the Gabby is playing her tuba and Gator is dancing. (Also, the tuba goes "burp" "burp" "burp".)
On the other hand, there's nothing too interesting or original about the storyline. It's a bit predictable and lazy as far as characters and action go. And there's this weird focus on what a "good" alligator should or shouldn't eat. At moments it allows for humor, but in others, it's just kind of distracting.
Look forward to checking out what else James Burks has been up to.
November 14, 2012
OH EMM GEE SO ADORABLE.
This is a fluffy kitty of a book - Gabby is a girl that's clearly different from her peers, and they unfortunately don't let her forget it. She's got a lot of ideas for the world and no real outlet for it.
Then there's Gator. He's an alligator. He likes to eat, and he's a little misunderstood since the only food he can find happens to be the neighborhood pets.
Gabby and Gator meet each other, bond over their situations, and such begins an absolutely cute adventure that has a lot of great messages in it as well as fun, fast-paced text and artwork.
It's sort of a early graphic novel of sorts, and it's just really a lot of fun. I don't know what else to say about it except that it's truly the most squee-worthy thing I've read in some time. Really highly recommended.
This is a fluffy kitty of a book - Gabby is a girl that's clearly different from her peers, and they unfortunately don't let her forget it. She's got a lot of ideas for the world and no real outlet for it.
Then there's Gator. He's an alligator. He likes to eat, and he's a little misunderstood since the only food he can find happens to be the neighborhood pets.
Gabby and Gator meet each other, bond over their situations, and such begins an absolutely cute adventure that has a lot of great messages in it as well as fun, fast-paced text and artwork.
It's sort of a early graphic novel of sorts, and it's just really a lot of fun. I don't know what else to say about it except that it's truly the most squee-worthy thing I've read in some time. Really highly recommended.
May 20, 2018
I recently read gabby and Gator by James Burks.This book is about a girl named Gabby that was bullied ,and Gator an alligator was neglected,they became friends and impacted each others life's in a cute /funny way. James also brought up social problems in his book such as bullying and loving yourself for who you are.
One of the major reasons I loved this book is it used irony to help convey a theme of self confidence and showing that bullying is not okay ,also that you should stand up for yourself and don't let people push you around. For example in the beginning of the book gabby was characterized as a lonely shy girl. On page 14 in the first panel the character characterized as the jock/bully said "Hey ,Look it's the freak that never speaks!" .Also Gator was characterized as a a monster."I heard it's just a alligator,' "trust me it's a monster".This sets up a bridge between Gator and gabby by showing they are bullied and put down by others.Irony is also used to express the theme of self love/standing up for your self , and or helping a friend out is.In the middle of the book gator and Gabby become an amazing team and do some awesome things.Your going to have to read it to find out what happens next.
In conclusion I would most definitely recommend this book.even though the book is a graphic novel and has is mostly pictures it has an amazing story. Also the author added little picture in the bottom left corner of the boo to create a flip book which I think is amazing and unique.
One of the major reasons I loved this book is it used irony to help convey a theme of self confidence and showing that bullying is not okay ,also that you should stand up for yourself and don't let people push you around. For example in the beginning of the book gabby was characterized as a lonely shy girl. On page 14 in the first panel the character characterized as the jock/bully said "Hey ,Look it's the freak that never speaks!" .Also Gator was characterized as a a monster."I heard it's just a alligator,' "trust me it's a monster".This sets up a bridge between Gator and gabby by showing they are bullied and put down by others.Irony is also used to express the theme of self love/standing up for your self , and or helping a friend out is.In the middle of the book gator and Gabby become an amazing team and do some awesome things.Your going to have to read it to find out what happens next.
In conclusion I would most definitely recommend this book.even though the book is a graphic novel and has is mostly pictures it has an amazing story. Also the author added little picture in the bottom left corner of the boo to create a flip book which I think is amazing and unique.
February 11, 2016
This graphic novel is a great book. I rate it 5 stars.
February 1, 2018
This was a secondhand bookstore find that I simply couldn't resist. Though generally not a Graphic Novel reader, it was too cute to miss! Gabby rarely speaks, is picked on by the popular crowd, and simply doesn't seem to fit. Well, I say good for her! Who'd want to fit in with THOSE people? Same goes for a Gator that happens to be afraid of...water. Oh yes, water. There's a reason why, but I'll let you discover that on your own. Anywho, these two supposed misfits were made for each other and the friendship that develops is top notch in my book. They're there for each other, support one another, and tackle challenges they face, snout first. A great pick for the kiddos as well as adults.
March 22, 2017
Text: 4 stars
Art: 3 stars
Children's graphic novel, featuring a friendship between an alligator and a little girl, that focuses on overcoming your fears and standing up to bullies. Both those themes are done a lot in children's literature, but the addition of humor and heart make them work in this book. The characters are stock, but many children will relate to them. I'm usually not a fan of children's books in which the protagonist is eaten for the sake of a laugh, but I have to admit that it's handled pretty well in this case. James Burks knows how to walk the fine line between outlandishly funny and too absurd. Cartoonish art suits the story and tone of the book.
Art: 3 stars
Children's graphic novel, featuring a friendship between an alligator and a little girl, that focuses on overcoming your fears and standing up to bullies. Both those themes are done a lot in children's literature, but the addition of humor and heart make them work in this book. The characters are stock, but many children will relate to them. I'm usually not a fan of children's books in which the protagonist is eaten for the sake of a laugh, but I have to admit that it's handled pretty well in this case. James Burks knows how to walk the fine line between outlandishly funny and too absurd. Cartoonish art suits the story and tone of the book.
April 19, 2018
I love children's books about alligators and crocodiles. This has great illustrations and a nice story about being yourself/accepting others. The story is mainly told through the illustrations, so it's great for younger kids. It would probably appeal to kids in grades 1-5, but I could see some older kids reading and enjoying this.
October 10, 2020
3.5⭐️
Spoilers....
I wish this book had ended with Gator eating Gabby. The end.
Spoilers....
I wish this book had ended with Gator eating Gabby. The end.
September 30, 2018
A cute story about a little girl and her alligator friend. Bold, bright graphics. A quick read. Good message about best friends are those who accept you as you are. Curious to check out more graphic novels by this author.
January 30, 2018
Cute, but not as good as Bird and Squirrel.
December 2, 2017
Gabby and Gator is a graphic novel about two unlikely friends who battle their bullies and fears together.
there is not a lot of text so good for reluctant readers and much of the story is told through the illustrations!
there is not a lot of text so good for reluctant readers and much of the story is told through the illustrations!
September 9, 2020
Super cute lower grades graphic novel. My boys loved it.
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February 10, 2016Gabby and Gator by James Burks is a graphic novel in which a friendship builds over commonalities. But one big difference between these two friends is that one of them is a little girl, and one is a gator. Unlikely friends who bond because they feel like outcasts. The gator was flushed when he was a young gator so he feels like no one will love him. The little girl who befriends the gator is a vegetarian and her becoming friends with the gator is very ironic. The gator likes to go around the neighborhood and eat all the pets. The story would be great for children because the wording in the story is not very advanced. The pictures are all very colorful and bright and would capture a child’s attention. This fictional graphic novel opened my eyes to the different ways books can be structured but still manage to tell a story effectively.
The author created many different panels on the pages, and those panels never expanded across more than one page. Each panel tells its own story and is very detailed and fits very well with the overall story line. There is while space along the edges of the panels as well as very small gutters between the panels. This small gutter space represents minutes of time that have passed, and make the story very continuous. There are no huge gaps in time, which would also make this story easier for children to follow and understand. The panels are also placed from left to right, just as a normal book would be. So this makes it easier to read as well. The word bubbles are in an easy spot to see and this is where the eyes go first. Along with the word bubbles the sound effects are in big letters that are in bold so that the readers can see them and imagine them happening.
Along with the story and illustrations being very creative, the author also incorporates a small flip book at the bottom corners of the pages. The readers can finish the book and then discover the flip book once they are done reading. This is a very creative way for the author to make the book more interesting for children. The book would be very good for late elementary school children. I would think third-fifth graders would really enjoy this book and the story the author creates. But even as an older reader the book was very funny and interesting to read. This book was the first graphic novel I have read and I am glad that this is the book that introduced me to the form of writing. It was a very interesting way to convey a story and a very effective way.
The author created many different panels on the pages, and those panels never expanded across more than one page. Each panel tells its own story and is very detailed and fits very well with the overall story line. There is while space along the edges of the panels as well as very small gutters between the panels. This small gutter space represents minutes of time that have passed, and make the story very continuous. There are no huge gaps in time, which would also make this story easier for children to follow and understand. The panels are also placed from left to right, just as a normal book would be. So this makes it easier to read as well. The word bubbles are in an easy spot to see and this is where the eyes go first. Along with the word bubbles the sound effects are in big letters that are in bold so that the readers can see them and imagine them happening.
Along with the story and illustrations being very creative, the author also incorporates a small flip book at the bottom corners of the pages. The readers can finish the book and then discover the flip book once they are done reading. This is a very creative way for the author to make the book more interesting for children. The book would be very good for late elementary school children. I would think third-fifth graders would really enjoy this book and the story the author creates. But even as an older reader the book was very funny and interesting to read. This book was the first graphic novel I have read and I am glad that this is the book that introduced me to the form of writing. It was a very interesting way to convey a story and a very effective way.
August 3, 2020
I ended up buying Gabby and Gator at a book fair hosted by one of my local elementary schools. I really wanted to contribute to the schools' fundraiser but I had already read the books that looked the most interesting. I settled on getting a few books on education and two graphic novels Chicken Hare and Gabby and Gator. My intention was to read the books and then pass them along to someone that would appreciate them more than I would.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Gabby and Gator. The thought did cross my mind to keep the book for myself, but now I plan on donating it to the library of the school that I purchased it from. Since I would recommend this book to most children and educators, it makes sense to make it available to the most readers possible - and libraries really need to up their selection of graphic novels.
Gabby and Gator is a children's book with a really cute story about abandonment and acceptance. It begins with a young boy who clips an ad for a mail order baby alligator. When it arrives, he plays with the small animal as though it is just a toy but, of course, his mother tells him that he has to get rid of it. Gator's life, then, begins with him being cruelly discarded. Elsewhere, there is a little girl, Gabby, who has no friends and is seemingly ignored by her parents. Although a peculiar friendship is formed by these two, they learn that real friends accept us just the way you are. It's a wonderful feel-good story with a great message.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Gabby and Gator. The thought did cross my mind to keep the book for myself, but now I plan on donating it to the library of the school that I purchased it from. Since I would recommend this book to most children and educators, it makes sense to make it available to the most readers possible - and libraries really need to up their selection of graphic novels.
Gabby and Gator is a children's book with a really cute story about abandonment and acceptance. It begins with a young boy who clips an ad for a mail order baby alligator. When it arrives, he plays with the small animal as though it is just a toy but, of course, his mother tells him that he has to get rid of it. Gator's life, then, begins with him being cruelly discarded. Elsewhere, there is a little girl, Gabby, who has no friends and is seemingly ignored by her parents. Although a peculiar friendship is formed by these two, they learn that real friends accept us just the way you are. It's a wonderful feel-good story with a great message.
March 1, 2013
Gator was flushed down the toilet when his owner's mother realized he would grow to be a large, dangerous animal. He lives in the sewer and eats people's pets when his hunger becomes uncontrollable. (Note the abundance of Missing Dog posters on the telephone pole.)
Gabby is a recycling, vegetarian outcast who is constantly teased and never speaks up to defend herself. When they find each other, it's a match made in...well, a match made in an environmentally-friendly paradise. Mostly.
This is adorable. Period. It's an old story of two misfits finding each other, but here it's done with such charm that you don't care. Their genuine delight in each other is such fun! The plunger-versus-whisk war is pure fun. (Now if she can just get his appetite under control....) Critics may see stereotypes and cartoon-style violence, but to my way of thinking Gabby & Gator are no different from Bugs & Daffy, Roadrunner & Wile E.
Burks' artistic style is long on kid-appeal yet contains enough humorous details to keep grown-ups turning pages, too. The silhouettes of Gator following an unsuspecting pet owner with the leash hanging out of his mouth are priceless.
Once kids realize this book is in the library, I expect it will begin a non-stop cycle of circulations. Well, truthfully, I expect it to fall apart in a matter of months just from being "loved too much".
Gabby is a recycling, vegetarian outcast who is constantly teased and never speaks up to defend herself. When they find each other, it's a match made in...well, a match made in an environmentally-friendly paradise. Mostly.
This is adorable. Period. It's an old story of two misfits finding each other, but here it's done with such charm that you don't care. Their genuine delight in each other is such fun! The plunger-versus-whisk war is pure fun. (Now if she can just get his appetite under control....) Critics may see stereotypes and cartoon-style violence, but to my way of thinking Gabby & Gator are no different from Bugs & Daffy, Roadrunner & Wile E.
Burks' artistic style is long on kid-appeal yet contains enough humorous details to keep grown-ups turning pages, too. The silhouettes of Gator following an unsuspecting pet owner with the leash hanging out of his mouth are priceless.
Once kids realize this book is in the library, I expect it will begin a non-stop cycle of circulations. Well, truthfully, I expect it to fall apart in a matter of months just from being "loved too much".
Read
February 9, 2016Gabby is an introverted vegetarian when she meets an Alligator who loves to eat the neighborhood pets. This book demonstrates a fictional genre in a graphic novel format. The individual panels are page by page and are read from left to right making the chronological order precise. Moving along, the story is brought together by word bubbles and short, descriptive dialogue. The sound sensory words are explosive with exclamation marks to emphasize the powerful volume of the sound. Additionally, the gutters between the graphics, are relatively the same size through out the book and represent minutes apart from each scene. The illustrator incorporated a flip book at the edge of each page giving readers a "hidden treasure" that might not be easily seen by others. Gabby and Gator targets Elementary school students because of the plot, word choice, and graphics.
I enjoyed this book because it is a unique story about two opposite beings, who are misfits to the rest of the world. It encourages friendship and creativity for readers to feel that can express as well. I look forward to what happens at the end of the novel when the alligator meets the little boy who flushed him down the toilet when he was a baby. This book is an easy, joyful read and I would recommend it to any elementary student.
I enjoyed this book because it is a unique story about two opposite beings, who are misfits to the rest of the world. It encourages friendship and creativity for readers to feel that can express as well. I look forward to what happens at the end of the novel when the alligator meets the little boy who flushed him down the toilet when he was a baby. This book is an easy, joyful read and I would recommend it to any elementary student.
February 16, 2017
I am very impressed with James's books!! This story was not only very funny, cute, and one a kid can relate to, it is the best I've read so far. I liked it so much, I went ahead and purchased it. I hope to one day have all his books. They are real gems. They are very kid friendly and amusing. I have a feeling they will one day become classics.
February 19, 2016
Gabby and Gator is a graphic novel about a two misfits. One is an alligator named Gator who lives in the sewers and eats the neighborhood dogs, and the other is a little vegetarian girl who doesn't fit in with the other kids at school. One day Gator sees Gabby being bullied and decides to scare off the bully. After that, Gabby and Gator become best friends and go on adventures together. The illustrations are done in cartoon form and are very colorful. The darkest, thickest black lines are on Gator, which shows how much stronger he is than everyone else. The margins are small and white, and the boxes with the illustrations in them are very close together. At the bottom of each page is a black and white illustration of Gabby, and when you flip all the pages, it looks like she is dancing. The story is told by way of speech bubbles, so we know what is happening by what the characters say. Not every box has text in it; some of them just have a picture that shows what is happening in the story. Although I didn't get to read the entire book in class, i actually really liked what I did read of it. I'd never read a graphic novel before, but it was very cool; I liked how there were so many illustrations.
February 12, 2016
Gabby and Gator is a charming graphic novel about the unlikely friendship between an alligator and a little girl. Gabby is lonely, and just wants to find someone to accept her and be her friend. Gator is flushed down the toilet and grows up in the sewers alone. Once these two meet, sparks fly. They are an adventurous pair. They teach each other about what it means to accept someone for who they are and be a true friend.
One really unique element of this novel was the amount of white space on the pages. The illustrations were centered and left plenty of blank space above and below. This helped focus attention on small parts and details of the story at a time. It also allowed for a really cool aspect of this book, a flip-animation in the corner of the pages. It was a cute and fun element that I am sure young readers will enjoy. The cartoon-style of the pictures really emulates the setting and feel of this graphic novel. Cute and fun characters drawn with bright colors enhances the story and makes it pop out. The text was also utilized in a perfect way to support the story and style. The text was mostly in text bubbles, but also was used to convey onomonopias and sound effects. This was done in a cartoonish fashion, and so fit the story well.
One really unique element of this novel was the amount of white space on the pages. The illustrations were centered and left plenty of blank space above and below. This helped focus attention on small parts and details of the story at a time. It also allowed for a really cool aspect of this book, a flip-animation in the corner of the pages. It was a cute and fun element that I am sure young readers will enjoy. The cartoon-style of the pictures really emulates the setting and feel of this graphic novel. Cute and fun characters drawn with bright colors enhances the story and makes it pop out. The text was also utilized in a perfect way to support the story and style. The text was mostly in text bubbles, but also was used to convey onomonopias and sound effects. This was done in a cartoonish fashion, and so fit the story well.
Read
April 18, 2014primary
Another longer story, though appropriate for young readers and listeners, the graphic novel format will help grab and keep the attention of struggling and reluctant readers. The story of friendship between a girl and her new-found alligator friend, both of them outcasts, will appeal to both boys and girls. There is also enough substance that older readers will enjoy it as well.
This graphic novel could be used to study the concepts of friendship and fitting in. Through a reading of this book children can learn that friends can be found in unexpected places and to not judge people before you know them. The characters could be compared to other familiar characters in recently read texts. Similar to Monster on the Hill the length of Gabby and Gator may necessitate shared reading with an older reader, however the copious illustrations will provide numerous opportunities for young readers to share their thinking and observations as well.
(2010, October 4). Publishers Weekly. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
Another longer story, though appropriate for young readers and listeners, the graphic novel format will help grab and keep the attention of struggling and reluctant readers. The story of friendship between a girl and her new-found alligator friend, both of them outcasts, will appeal to both boys and girls. There is also enough substance that older readers will enjoy it as well.
This graphic novel could be used to study the concepts of friendship and fitting in. Through a reading of this book children can learn that friends can be found in unexpected places and to not judge people before you know them. The characters could be compared to other familiar characters in recently read texts. Similar to Monster on the Hill the length of Gabby and Gator may necessitate shared reading with an older reader, however the copious illustrations will provide numerous opportunities for young readers to share their thinking and observations as well.
(2010, October 4). Publishers Weekly. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
July 9, 2011
Description: Gator has just never seemed to fit in with the other neighborhood pets...probably because he has a nasty habit of eating the other neighborhood pets. Flushed down the toilet as just a little snapper, Gator spends his days alone in the sewers...
On the streets above, little Gabby has never seemed to fit in with the other kids in town. She'd rather collect bottles and practice her tuba than gossip with the girls down at the pool, but it does get lonely being the only vegetarian on the block...
When Gabby and Gator meet, their fun and adventures prove that the best friends are those who accept you as you are, teeth and all!
This book is adorable. I am always a sucker for a book about the lonely nerdy girl who finds a friend who loves her just the way she is. This book is just that! Gabby has an adorable personality and this book sends the message that with a little support you can stand up for yourself and overcome your fears. I'd love to see a series on these two and find out if the Gator ever goes vegetarian.
On the streets above, little Gabby has never seemed to fit in with the other kids in town. She'd rather collect bottles and practice her tuba than gossip with the girls down at the pool, but it does get lonely being the only vegetarian on the block...
When Gabby and Gator meet, their fun and adventures prove that the best friends are those who accept you as you are, teeth and all!
This book is adorable. I am always a sucker for a book about the lonely nerdy girl who finds a friend who loves her just the way she is. This book is just that! Gabby has an adorable personality and this book sends the message that with a little support you can stand up for yourself and overcome your fears. I'd love to see a series on these two and find out if the Gator ever goes vegetarian.
February 23, 2015
Gabby and Gator Book Review Squeals, how adorable is this graphic novel?! So far, I'm off to a fantastic start on my graphic novel reading goal for this year. I adored this. From Gabby being weird and trying to find a friend to relate to, to the beautiful and wonderfully colored pictures. A loving, laugh out loud tale about friendship and trying to fit it in.
Gabby has always felt left out. She has her daily routine, getting out of bed, watching TV, practicing Tuba. There's just one she can never cross off, finding someone who will accept me for who I am. Then one day she meets the local Alligator who has spent his life in the sewers. The two find an unlikely friendship and fight against the bullies.
Absolutely will be recommending this one to my younger kids in the library. Probably a favorite read for this year as well. I think I'm really going to love reading juvenile graphic novels - they're fast, cute, laugh out loud and meaningful. It took me about thirty minutes to breeze through this one.
Gabby has always felt left out. She has her daily routine, getting out of bed, watching TV, practicing Tuba. There's just one she can never cross off, finding someone who will accept me for who I am. Then one day she meets the local Alligator who has spent his life in the sewers. The two find an unlikely friendship and fight against the bullies.
Absolutely will be recommending this one to my younger kids in the library. Probably a favorite read for this year as well. I think I'm really going to love reading juvenile graphic novels - they're fast, cute, laugh out loud and meaningful. It took me about thirty minutes to breeze through this one.
June 23, 2014
Gabby has a very solitary life. With her mom always at work, no friends, and a bully that always bullies her, things can be lonely sometimes. As for Gator, he had been an abandoned pet alligator, with everyone running away from him, and all the dogs ending up in his tummy. He can't help it! But when Gabby and Gator meet each other, things can be amazingly different!
I picked up this book when I saw the colorful cover of this book. Graphic novels are always fun, especially the one's for children. I took a peek inside and thought how fun this book might be.
This book is so amazing and playful. The story is so creative and the stuff is so colorful and funny. I love the illustrations.
I recommend this book to Amanda. Amanda is a very energetic and playful girl, so I believe this book would be a great read for her. ;)
I picked up this book when I saw the colorful cover of this book. Graphic novels are always fun, especially the one's for children. I took a peek inside and thought how fun this book might be.
This book is so amazing and playful. The story is so creative and the stuff is so colorful and funny. I love the illustrations.
I recommend this book to Amanda. Amanda is a very energetic and playful girl, so I believe this book would be a great read for her. ;)
September 22, 2015
Okay, I laughed so hard I think I snorted a bit. This was a fantastic graphic novel for elementary kids. It has it all-fantastic illustrations, it's easy to read, it even has a flip-o-rama at the bottom of the pages. Combine that with an entertaining story line about an alligator that gets flushed down the toilet as a baby and is recovered later in life by an awkward, cute as heck vegetarian girl with whom the gator wants to be friends so badly, not only because she plays the tuba, but also because she's just so darn nice..if only he can restrain from eating her bunny, and her fish, and..her dog.. Throw in a crazed animal control character and let the plot spin. Highly recommend.
March 5, 2011
Totally stealing Jackie the Librarian's review format...
Things I liked:
- Huge panels
- Minimal text (although vocab isn't particularly simple)
- Latchkey kid depiction
- Unique characterization of Gabby
- Quirky aspects of Gator - computer, sorta dangerous
- Tuba dancing
Things I didn't like:
- Stereotypical characters - football player, cheerleaders
- Depiction of animal control
So, I guess the Likes win. This is going on my E Graphic Novels list in case my library system ever creates an Easy Graphic Novel subcollection.
Things I liked:
- Huge panels
- Minimal text (although vocab isn't particularly simple)
- Latchkey kid depiction
- Unique characterization of Gabby
- Quirky aspects of Gator - computer, sorta dangerous
- Tuba dancing
Things I didn't like:
- Stereotypical characters - football player, cheerleaders
- Depiction of animal control
So, I guess the Likes win. This is going on my E Graphic Novels list in case my library system ever creates an Easy Graphic Novel subcollection.
February 16, 2014
Gabby's a super cute vegetarian kid who makes friends with an alligator who doesn't want to eat things...except he gets hungry.
She plays tuba! Gardens! Befriends an alligator! They dance! She stands up for herself! She saves the day! There's a flip book at the bottom! The animal catcher's eye story!
With that I've exhausted my allotment of exclamation marks for the month of February. Whatever. I laughed out loud several times while reading.
Great graphic novel for ES, both for kids who've read some and those just starting out. They're gonna love it at work.
She plays tuba! Gardens! Befriends an alligator! They dance! She stands up for herself! She saves the day! There's a flip book at the bottom! The animal catcher's eye story!
With that I've exhausted my allotment of exclamation marks for the month of February. Whatever. I laughed out loud several times while reading.
Great graphic novel for ES, both for kids who've read some and those just starting out. They're gonna love it at work.
October 12, 2015
My kids LOVE this one. Gator is an alligator who was flushed down the toilet as a youngster, lives in the sewers, and guiltily eats dogs to survive. Gabby is a smart, vegetarian, earth-friendly girl who knows what she wants, but doesn't have any friends who understand her. They become friends pretty instantly, but both Gator's appetite and the local animal control officer are difficulties that have to be overcome.
Some of the kids' favorite parts: Gabby's tuba-playing, Gator's first dog-eating incident, and scaring off the local bully.
Some of the kids' favorite parts: Gabby's tuba-playing, Gator's first dog-eating incident, and scaring off the local bully.
November 2, 2020
Graphic Novel
Gabby is a unique child and gets bullied for not following the crowd; Gator is an alligator that was flushed away as a baby and is terrified of water. Not the usual pairing but the two meet and become friends. Gabby encourages Gator to stop eating the neighbors' dogs, and, in turn, Gator encourages Gabby to stand up for herself with the neighborhood bully.
The artwork is fun to watch - to see the expressions and details. I'm a fan of Burks' work and appreciate his humor on several levels.
Gabby is a unique child and gets bullied for not following the crowd; Gator is an alligator that was flushed away as a baby and is terrified of water. Not the usual pairing but the two meet and become friends. Gabby encourages Gator to stop eating the neighbors' dogs, and, in turn, Gator encourages Gabby to stand up for herself with the neighborhood bully.
The artwork is fun to watch - to see the expressions and details. I'm a fan of Burks' work and appreciate his humor on several levels.
July 19, 2012
I loved this graphic novel! Very cute, special book with fantastic messages about friendship, misunderstanding others, judging before you know, and standing up for yourself. Gabby is an endearing character for me just by the posters in her room like Recycle OR DIE and Go Vegetarian! I loved that the alligator had a computer journal and has to resolve his eating thing... I want to read the sequel-- which I dream is in the works even though it was published in 2010...
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