There are many sayings about kindness. "Sprinkle kindness like confetti." "In a world where you can be anything, be kind." We teach our kids to be kind. What does it really mean to be kind? When someone is teasing you should you be kind? Today we are sharing a beautiful story about an alligator who shows us what it is to be kind. The book is Alli the Alligator by Cindy Miller and illustrated by Joan Coleman. There is a giveaway at the end of the post and an alligator craft roundup to go with the book! The book does mention being created by God a few times but this is really the only religious reference.
About the Book:
Alli the Alligator Written by Cindy Miller & Illustrated by Joan ColemanAges: 4–7 | 32 Pages | Publisher: BookLogix (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1-6653-1069-7
Publisher's Book Summary: What happens when being different makes you feel like you don't belong? Alli Gator loves swimming and playing along the banks of the Rumbly River with her family. When she discovers children nearby, she dreams of going to school just like they do. But being the only alligator in a classroom full of children isn't easy. On her first day at Swamp Elementary, the other students stare, whisper, and laugh. Just when Alli begins to lose confidence, an unexpected moment reveals her bravery and kindness—and shows everyone that differences can be a gift.
Themes: Kindness and empathy • Bullying and inclusion • Friendship and forgiveness • Confidence and courage • Celebrating differences
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
About the Author:
Cindy Miller is a first-time children's book author from Columbus, Georgia. A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Cindy has long been passionate about the social and emotional well-being of both children and senior adults. With Alli the Alligator, she brings that passion to the page in a heartwarming story about courage, kindness, and finding where you belong.
To learn more, visit allithealligatorbook.com.
From Me:
In this book, Alli loves swimming in the river with her brothers and cousins in the summer. One day she hears other voices and sneaks to the edge of the woods and sees children jumping rope and playing through a fence. She becomes fascinated with watching them and returns each day. She then asks her father if she can attend their elementary school because she is so entertained by them and would like to get to know them. With some prayers and time, Allie's parents agree to send her to the human school. They tell her to be kind no matter what even if the children are not kind to her. They tell her this is why God created her. Her first day does not go well. She is teased and laughed at by all the kids. She eats lunch alone. She doesn't want to go back, but her father tells her to go back and hold her snout high. On the second day they go on a field trip by the river. When two of the kids fall in and cannot swim, Allie saves them. After that the kids apologize for how they treated her and they become friends.
I love that Allie recognizes the diversity between the kids playing. They are different races and genders. She dreams of having human and alligator friends and having them all together. There are reminders to me of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s I Have a Dream Speech. Allie shows courage and at first has trouble belonging. Her kindness even to people who teased her eventually pays off and they all become friends. The town even honors her for saving the children. Allie also reminds me a bit of Queen Esther. It may be the message of you were created for this, but it brought back memories of the story for me. Allie just wants to belong and be friends with the children that entertain and interest her. They make fun of her for being different (aka. being an alligator at a human school). Eventually they learn she is kind and caring and they accept her. It is the story for many new kids. Kids and adults just want to feel like they belong and are cared for. Being kind often helps one to fit in but not always. This is a book kids can relate to but also has the fun twist of Allie being an alligator.
This book is perfect for anywhere. It makes a great story to read aloud or for a child to read alone. It is about trying something new, trying to belong and being kind. All are lessons we want our kids to learn. It would also make a great book for a classroom at the beginning of the school year or when a new student joins the class. It is important for kids to learn to accept new people and changes and this book helps share a bit of that.
Alligator Craft Roundup:
The obvious activity to go with this book besides being kind is an alligator craft. Here is a roundup of alligator crafts (with a few called crocodile but look like either an alligator or crocodile).
1) Crocodile/Alligator Clothespin Craft
2) Alligator Paper Plate Craft from Beth Ann Averill
3) Crocodile/Alligator Clothespin Craft with Craft Foam
4) A Is for Alligator Craft from Darcy and Brian
5) Alligator Affirmation Box from Crayon Box Chronicles
6) Alligator Paper Bag Puppet from Simple Everyday Mom
7) Handprint Crocodile/Alligator from Red Ted Art
Giveaway:
Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Alli the Alligator by Cindy Miller—a heartwarming story about courage, kindness, and belonging to add to their bookshelf. Good luck!!
