Crosby Crocodile isn’t a typical crocodile: he knows this and the other crocodiles know this too. He is teased and tormented for his gentle nature and his friendly smile. Tired of trying to fit in and fed up of being teased by the other crocs, he takes himself away. Whilst alone on his journey, he is finally able to be himself: singing, dancing and exploring his creative side. He finds a use for his sharp teeth that doesn’t involve hurting or scaring anyone: pruning trees and bushes into glorious decorative shapes and designs. He gets so caught up in his new found freedom that he fails to notice that he is being watched ….. and accepted. Before long, he realises that he has been accepted by new friends, and that he is able to accept himself for exactly who he is.
‘We are all a bit different and the world would be bleak, if everyone was the same, not special or unique.’
Jo is a mother to two girls. She has worked in an educational setting for her whole adult life: as a teacher, in pastoral care, and now in student support.
Jo has dreamed of being an author of children’s books for many, many years now and has a love for rhyming books in particular. Her dream to become an author was heightened following the birth of her children but, between being a busy mum and working full time, writing had to take a back seat.
Jo was diagnosed with a lifelong chronic pain condition in her mid-twenties which became the main inspiration for her ‘The Bit Different Collection.’ She felt that many people may need to explain medical issues, disabilities and differences to children in a comforting and sensitive way. What better way to do this then through books: lovely, positive stories with loveable characters and beautiful illustrations?
After years of writing in her free time, Jo’s first book was published in 2021 and her second in 2022. These were illustrated by her good friend Michelle. She has a series of book’s written and waiting to be edited and published and she hopes that these stories play a significant role in the emotional, psychological and social development children, while also being enjoyed and remembered by the readers.
About the illustrator:
Michelle is a mother to two young boys. She has been a designer for over 17 years designing underwear, swimwear, nightwear, homeware, gifts, party products and greeting cards.
Michelle has also always wanted to illustrate a children’s book, it has been a life-long dream of hers. When Jo told Michelle about this project she really wanted to get on board as she loved the concept and wanted to help spread awareness and understanding to children about various medical issues, disabilities and differences.
Crosby The Not So Snappy Crocodile 🐊
Written By
JoAnne Moore
Illustrated by
Michelle Gemmel
Review by
Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews
First, I want to thank Joanne Moore and Michelle Gemmel for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
I absolutely LOVED the message that Joeanne Moore and Michelle Gemmel got across in Crosby The Not So Snappy Crocodile! I couldn’t help but smile ear to ear on how cute this book was!! Not only the storyline but the adorable graphics that made the story pop!
Joanne Moore would like to dedicate this book to anyone who is a little different, knows someone who is a bit different and even those who would like to be a little different. She wants to let Hallie, Kennedy, Oliver and Austin that they are all special.
Children of all ages and even the kids at heart (like myself) will totally appreciate the meaningful message behind the book. It is so important to not judge a book by its cover and realize everyone is different and that is ok! Crosby shows you how to live your best life as your true self!
Michelle had an everlasting grin on my face with the adorable variety of animals in this book. I had a soft spot for the monkeys that were so cute!
Karigan Hale 
