There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course

There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course by Rachel Barnett (Holus Bolus Books) HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978 0 9946468 3 5

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course is a bright and colourful children’s picture book - both in text and images. Croc, the aptly named Crocodile, is a golf fan and is trying to get a hole in one.

Unfortunately for Croc, his golf game leaves a lot to be desired and with a swing that is “downright silly”, his friends Goanna, Quoll and Frilly are trying to help him out. At times he loses his patience as his ball goes wild - or even lands in a plover’s nest which sees Croc running for his life.

But in the end, hard work and a little bit of perseverance and help from his friends goes a long way and Croc manages to hit a hole-in-one. The story uses the comical idea of a crocodile playing goal to instill some key messages in young readers about patience, friendship and perseverance. The story is written in a clear way, with easy-to-read sentence structure that utilises Australian slang - like mozzies and midges to give it a quintessential Australian feel which I think helps set it apart in the children’s book sector.

There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course is set on the Alyangula Golf Course, where a large crocodile can often be spotted swimming the beach along the course - or even closer for unsuspecting golfers on the second hole. The bright Australiana theme lends itself well to the story and is eye-catching to draw the younger readers in.

Overall, this is a fun tale that will have kids and parents enjoying reading along together. I feel young children will particularly enjoy the bright illustrations, with  Australian wildlife really starring in this tale.