Even those who thought they couldn't abide even one more self-referential picture book will not be able to resist debut author Julie Falatko and illustrator Tim Miller's delightful, ever-so-clever Snappsy the Alligator. This one goes to the top of the meta-heap.
Snappsy the alligator "did not ask to be in this book," so when the narrator blithely describes his life, without compassion, or even accuracy, Snappsy is understandably upset. "Snappsy the alligator wasn't feeling like himself," says the narrator. "His feet felt draggy. His skin felt baggy." Snappsy interrupts with a cartoon bubble: "This is just terrible! I'm just hungry! Why is this rude narrator trying to make it seem like I need a nap?" When Snappsy questions the narrator's integrity, the narrator gets even by suggesting the harmless, necktie-wearing reptile is a cold-blooded predator: "Snappsy, the big, mean alligator, kept looking for food. He liked to eat tiny, defenseless birds and soft, fuzzy bunnies." (The truth is, Snappsy shops at ABC Grocery, where the food is alphabetized. He particularly likes aisle "L, M, N, O, P" because he likes pretzels, pears and peanut butter.) The interaction between Snappsy and the narrator grows increasingly heated and hilarious until the satisfying, sweet-and-sassy denouement, when the two meet face to face.
Miller's cartoonish illustrations in plums and greens, often in comic strip-style panels, are silly, inviting and bursting with funny details such as the "No Narrators Allowed!" sign on Snappsy's front door. Snappsy the Alligator is a wonderful exploration of subjectivity... and a lot of fun. --Karin Snelson, children's & YA editor, Shelf Awareness