March 11, 2024
Despite their differing personalities, Swamp Ranger School classmates Croc and Gator forge a fierce friendship in this new chapter book series by Katzenberger (A Love Letter to My Library). The gregarious, loquacious Gator is flummoxed by Croc’s serious, contained demeanor; when the two are paired up for their first class activity, Croc coolly responds, “If that’s my only choice, then so be it.” But as the two work together—a collaboration fleshed out via cartoon line drawings by Ciccotello (I’m a Volcano!)—Gator learns to temper his responses around Croc, and Croc realizes he can loosen up a little and enjoy himself. After willingly teaming up for—and successfully completing—a scavenger hunt, the duo decides to partner as full-fledged Swamp Rangers. The leads’ emotional journey can sometimes be too rigid and saccharine, but the characters’ yearning to connect feels organic. In a narrative that highlights burgeoning self-awareness and appreciation for each other’s talents, Katzenberger celebrates the fragile beauty of the protagonists’ swamp habitat and offers simple messaging about conservation: “It means to protect things from harm and not be wasteful.” Ages 6–8.