Carlyle was minding his good reptile business when a baby was placed in the Nile River. He didn’t know it was a baby immediately. In fact, Carlyle thought it was something to eat. It didn’t take long for the humans to discover the child and take him to safety. This is the story Israel Campbell delivers in his book, Carlyle the Crocodile Who Lived on the River Nile.
A Crocodile And A Child
Carlyle is the star of Campbell’s story. He tells the story of baby Moses from his perspective, which is one of mystery and wonder.
The mysterious basket is Carlyle’s next meal. But then, a human, Pharoah’s daughter, comes to the rescue. She retrieves the basket wherein it is discovered that the baby, Moses, is floating along. This causes Carlyle to wonder how the baby was able to make it so far without being eaten by someone like him. He ultimately deems Moses’s experience on the Nile River as something divine.
For Toddlers
Small children may especially love Carlyle the Crocodile Who Lived on the River Nile. The visuals in this book are fantastic and contribute to the overall storytelling.
Kids can also relate to Carlyle. This crocodile is not someone who knows how the story ends. Carlyle is a reptile who is learning about baby Moses along with his fellow readers. Small children essentially get to join in the adventures on the Nile.
For Christians
It isn’t a secret that the story of Moses in the Bible begins with the Old Testament hero being placed in a basket and sent down the Nile River. Pharoah’s daughter finds Moses and ultimately allows his mother to care for him in the palace.
Israel Campbell puts his spin on the Biblical story by introducing us to Carlyle. The author lets his imagination launch out while ultimately remaining grounded in the original story of Moses. Christians will likely enjoy what Campbell has created in this unique retelling.