Crictor

by Tomi Ungerer

Book Overview

'A highly diverting picture book about an agreeable pet boa constrictor that earns the affection and gratitude of a French village.' --BL. 'Children will love it.' --H.

Notable Children's Books of 1940-1959 (ALA)
1959 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
A Reading Rainbow Selection
1958 Children's Spring Book Festival Prize (NY Herald Tribune)

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0064430448
• ISBN13: 9780064430449
• Release Date: July 1983
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.7" x 10.7"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

GREAT memories but scared my kids

I loved this book as a child and read it over and over. I eagerly ordered it for my children so they could enjoy the story and witty illustrations, however, my children froze on the page with the cat burglar. After that my children hated the book and asked about cat burglars coming through the window often. I guess I didn't realize it as a child but the cat burglar (carries a knife I think ) was a little too scary.

Adorable... and one that your kids will remember...

19 years after I first read Crictor, I still remember nearly every word. It was quite possibly one of my favorite books as a child because it is sweet, funny, and heartfelt. Crictor is a boa constrictor that Mdm. Bodot's son has sent home from Africa. He bonds with Mdm. Bodot after an initial fright and quickly endears himself to everyone. Soon, he is given an opportunity to foil a burglar who threatens Mdm. Bodot and is revered as a hero. I read this book over and over again until it was in tatters. What child doesn't love a friendly protecting character like Crictor? Pair it with Lyle, Lyle Crocodile for a double-dose of green reptilian fun.

Childhood revisited

As a kindergarten teacher, I just love to read this book to my students. As a lifelong reader and lover of books, I just love this book. Reading it brings back my childhood. The illustrations are just beautiful and the story is pure fun. I am so happy to see that books like these are still out and avaiable to purchase. We need books like these for the next generation.

Wonderful memories!

Oh, I LOVE this book! It is from the 50's, and SO well written! Instead of dumbing children down, it uses words that are more sophisticated. The story is hilarious! It uses pen and ink type drawings, which brought back so many pleasant memories! As a child, I didn't remember the story too well, but the pictures stayed in my mind, particularly the one of Crictor in what looks like a 10-foot long bed and wearing a 10-foot long armless sweater!!This elderly lady receives a gift of a snake from her son in Africa. She is a teacher and brings Crictor to school, where he becomes a jump rope and slide for the kids. He also forms letters and numbers. He captures a burglar and the locals name a park after him!One of my favorite books of all time!

An old-fashioned, wonderfully charming children's book

This was one of my favorite books growing up--I must have checked it out of the school library a dozen times. It's the adorable story of an old French woman who relies on a friendly boa to see her around Paris. Not only does it teach children not to judge other people -- or reptiles -- but the charming illustrations offer fun glimpses into the city of Paris. If you loved Madeline, you'll love this book. Buy one copy for your kids and one for yourself!