This activity book includes a story, activities for children, and a guide for adults.

Treisman's story, The Story of Cleo the Crocodile, is an exceptionally told tale of a young crocodile who is left in the care of a bully. The old crocodile is not always a bully, but he is getting meaner by the day and often hurts Cleo's feelings. Cleo is so hurt that he withdraws from his friends and becomes angry. Once he tells his friends what was happening, other adults stepped in to try to help Cleo. They decided that maybe it was best if Cleo went to live in another nearby swamp, where he could be safe and wouldn't be hurt anymore. Once there, though, Cleo was scared. Everything was new and his friends were not there to help him and he became very angry and started lashing out at everyone and everything around him so that he could never be hurt again. Thankfully, a very nice hippo and crocodile were there to show him kindness and patience. They understood he was just hurt, and not mean. As time passed, Cleo relaxed and understood the new swamp was safe and new friends could be just as nice as old ones.

I really enjoyed the illustrations as they brought the story to life and was inclusive through subtle ways that make the story applicable to all readers who have ever been picked on or bullied.

The children's activities are very cute and range from word search and coloring to crafts and other activities to encourage interaction with others.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.

While this book looks like just another children's story/activity book it certainly is not. This one is meant to be a resource for children, mental health professionals and others who are tasked with helping youngsters who have experienced significant trauma. The story of Cleo is told from the point of view of animals so as to allow children to listen without having to initially claim the story as their own.

Cleo has had painful experiences but they are all that Cleo has known; change, even if it might be for the better, is scary. Children hearing the story will see that it takes Cleo a long time to trust but that, eventually, things get better. This book then has a series of guided activities that children and their trusted adults can work on together and at their own pace.

This resource will be welcomed by social workers, foster carers, therapists and others who work with children who are trying to cope with their difficult histories.

Honestly, <i>Cleo the Crocodile</i> by Karen Treisman was shocking to me. In many ways, I wasn't quite sure how to handle myself after I'd finished reading it. The book touches on child abuse in ways that I was not expecting and the fact that it broaches the subject at all with a young audience in mind makes this one a first for me. I'm sure there are other books out there that approach this topic, but I have not read them in this context. It both saddens and warms my heart to know that this book is out there and available to readers who may need it because it's an important resource for those children, but it bothers me that it is a resource children may need in the first place.

I deeply appreciate this book for what it offers. The many activities scattered within the last few pages are so beneficial in my opinion and I'm exceedingly glad that the book does not simply end with the powerful story of Cleo's. While this is certainly an emotional read and I'm not one hundred percent sure that I would give it to a child who has not suffered abuse--though, to be frank, I think there's a possibility that it could be beneficial to all--I do see it as incredibly helpful for those who need it.

Definitely a book to pick up and consider carefully, <i>Cleo the Crocodile </i>is one of those amazing books that really strives to bring forth important conversation and discussion about topics that many would rather avoid. I hope this book helps a lot of kids in these unfortunate situations. I can see it helping a number of age ranges, though some only in the event that an adult is helping them through the activities and in understanding the story.

<i>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>