Gator

by Randy Cecil

Lonely for laughter, a carousel animal goes on a courageous journey in Randy Cecil’s delightful new picture book.

Gator loves everything about being a carousel animal — the flashing lights, the calliope music, and most of all, the laughter. But day by day, week by week, fewer and fewer people come to the amusement park, until one day, no one comes at all. And so begins an extraordinary odyssey,as Gator leaves behind the only life he’s ever known and sets off through some deep, dark woods to a place with REAL alligators — and a wonderful, familiar sound. Illustrator Randy Cecil puts on his author’s hat for this moving story of a modest carousel alligator who finds what he’s looking for and becomes a hero along the way.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fantasy

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2007

About the author

Randy Cecil has illustrated many books for children, including LOOKING FOR A MOOSE by Phyllis Root, And HERE'S TO YOU! by David Elliott, He is also the author-illustrator of GATOR and DUCK. Randy Cecil lives in Houston.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randy Cecil’s Gator asks….What happens to the carousel animals when the carousel stops spinning?

Gator loves being a carousel alligator. People, music, and laughter fill his amusement park. Over the years the crowds start to get smaller and smaller though. Until one day, the park goes dark and quiet. Gator sits unmoving. Has he been forgotten? Gator waits and waits for people to return. But when he can’t sit still any longer, Gator decides to hop off his carousel and head out into the world. Come see who and what he finds.

It takes a lot of courage to leave the only life you’ve ever known. You’ll see and feel Gator’s courage for sure. On every page! His wide eyes, toothy smiles, and especially that hole in his heart where the pole used to be all made me want to follow along on his journey. Gator will inspire readers to act. Don’t wait. Go out and find your happiness!

A sweet read.

p.s. I had to look up the word calliope. So, I learned something new here too. :)

[Jen]

An old-fashioned feeling book in art and theme- my 2-yr-old son loves it.

[Kacee Eddinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gator wants what we all want: purpose and to be remembered. Gator goes on a journey to find out why people have left the amusement park where he lives as a carousel animal. On his way he finds out that ducks fly, real alligators can be kind of scary, and he is not as forgotten as he thinks.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I love these

[Ham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the concept and the art.
The story got a little wordy and blah in parts, but mostly it was adorable.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The happiest carousel animal in the world was Gator. Eventually, the amusement park had to close, so one day Gator left the park. He visited other places but found nowhere he could belong. When Gator met someone who remembered him from years before in the amusement park, everything changed for Gator. Great illustrations.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gator, part of a carousel in an abandoned amusement park, decides to explore the world to find joy and laughter again. After meeting real ducks and alligators, he is spotted by a dad and young child. The father fondly remembers riding Gator at the carousel and Gator leads a group of excited people back to the carousel and happiness. While the story is fanciful and full of plot holes, Gator is a sweet explorer that will appeal particularly to the nostalgic. Recommended for young readers through grade 1.

[Gail Barge]

This would be a fun book to use when discussing point of view. My students have been writing pieces from the point of view of many different things, such as a pencil, marker, and soccer ball. This is told from the point of view of a carousel animal, something we usually do not think of as having a life of it's own. This would be a good example of writing a story from another point of view before allowing the students to tell their own stories from a different point of view.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gator is a cute story about an alligator who is part of a merry-go-round ride. When the people stop coming Gator leaves to find the people. At last someone finds him and follows him back to the amusement park. It is a sad and sweet story that has a feel-good ending. And you won't want to miss out on the sequel: "Duck".

[Elisa Pereyra-Molina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gator is a carousel animal in this beginning readers picture book. Gator leaves his friend the duct to go out into the world with an empty heart after the carousel shuts down. He finds no solace out in the world but does find a family who remembers him and is willing to go back to the carousel for a ride, so Gator leads the way as others follow.

[Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son loved this-we always have to read it twice in a row. A heart-warming story.

[Youth Services · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching story about what happens when a carousel gator's amusement park closes and he ventures out to see what the rest of the world is like JD

[Rose]

E Cec

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a carousel alligator who gets lonely and goes on an adventure. It's a good story to read aloud.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story of a carousel gator who goes on a little adventure.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't mind having a few original pieces of artwork from the illustrator of this children's book ... very cute.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have read Gator before reading Duck. I didn't know Duck was a sequel to Gator.

[Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Gator! He'd probably make a good pet.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another library pick from my nephew, and it was very unique, very nostalgic, and really sweet. The illustrations were lovely, as well.

[Olson Family Matters · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUCH a cute series - we read Duck first, and enjoyed this one just as much!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of a series of books based on carousel animals coming to life and having adventures.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gator learns:
The grass is always greener.
Recognize the blessings all around you that you have.
New experiences open up your perspective.
Don't stop dreaming.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gator and Duck are both lovely stories. They feel a bit old-school and I just adore them both.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing spectacular. Just okay.