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Summary
Summary
There are lots of clubs for Rory to join at his new school, but none seem quite right for him. So when his parents suggest he start his own club about something he loves, Rory knows exactly what it will be: a Reptile Club! He's positive that there are other kids out there who share his passion. He sets up his first meeting and then waits and waits for students to show up. Just as he is about to give up, Rory hears whispering in the hallway and hurries over to see who it is. To his astonishment, it's not his schoolmates who have arrived to attend the first meeting, but a crocodile, an anaconda and a gecko!
Popular, award-winning author Maureen Fergus's playful picture book is perfect for story time, with its laugh-out-loud appeal and clever twist on the meaning of "Reptile Club." Loads of intriguing reptile facts are tucked into the story (for example, a gecko has to lick its eyeballs to keep them clean and moist!), making this an excellent choice for a life science lesson on the characteristics of reptiles. The details in Elina Ellis's lively, colorful illustrations encourage children to spend time examining each page. This is also a terrific book for a character education discussion about initiative, or for lessons on personal development and confidently pursuing one's own passions.
Author Notes
MAUREEN FERGUS is an award-winning author of books for children and young adults, including The Day Dad Joined My Soccer Team, The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten and the Buddy and Earl series. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Elina Ellis draws both digitally and using traditional media, creating her own books and illustrating books for others. She lives in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Reviews (3)
Horn Book Review
The clubs at Rory's new school don't appeal to him so he starts his own Reptile Club--and actual (talking) reptiles show up. Soon Reptile Club is the place to be. When the reptiles leave (to hibernate), Rory's new friends stay--yes, "they'd become reptile enthusiasts, but mostly it was because they'd become Rory's friends." A sweet and lively new-school fantasy with friendly illustrations. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
New kid Rory hasn't found a school club he wants to join, so he starts his own, for kids who share one of his interests: the Reptile Club.Lots of kids like animalsand he's certain lots of kids like reptilesso he has high hopes, making posters and bringing in his plastic reptiles and lizard-shaped cookies. Here, what has so far seemed like a fairly run-of-the-mill school story takes a literally wild and fantastical turn when the first participants arrive: not fellow reptile lovers but a crocodile, a snake, and a lizard. The animals introduce themselves and offer some interesting facts. The crocodile tells Rory he sweats through his mouth, for example. When the other students see how much fun the interspecies group is having, "they couldn't wait to join," and Rory's goal is achieved. Rory is a red-haired white child; the classroom is a multicultural group in which boys and girls alike participate in the Prancing Unicorn Club as well as the Extra Math Homework Club. Ellis' digital artwork replicates a scratchy, penciled look, which suits the energetic, imaginative story. As winter approaches, the reptiles must leave, imparting one last animal fact: "Reptiles can't tolerate the cold." Delightfully, this does not spell the end of Rory's friendships.This testament to imagination, confidence, and entrepreneurship offers refreshing takes on learning about animals and how to make friends. (Picture book. 5-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Rory considers joining one of the organizations at his new school, but then decides to create his own: the Reptile Club. No students show up for the first meeting, but a crocodile, an anaconda, and a gecko are eager to join. While the four club members are discussing their favorite reptiles and sharing interesting factoids ( I adore Rocky Rodent ice cream ), Rory's classmates spot his companions and clamor to join the club. Soon they're all enjoying nature hikes and playing Hide and Shriek together. Although, when colder weather comes, the three reptiles must depart to hibernate or migrate, the club continues. Ellis' digital illustrations are bright, zany, and inviting, while Fergus' well-paced story includes a good deal of droll humor that kids will enjoy, from the reptiles' amazing facts and personal anecdotes to their initial reluctance to let mammals join the club. That awkward moment turns into a teachable one when Rory points out that he is a mammal and that prejudice against those with hair and body-temperature regulation is unkind. An appealing picture book especially for reptile fans.--Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2018 Booklist