Bravery & Determination

"How Do Crocodiles Fly? is a story of determination, bravery and friendship. This touching tale of Kelly Crocodile, charmingly illustrated by the author's daughter, manages to teach young children about respecting individuality and recognising that everyone has a special talent to offer. Vincent's style is simple but persuasive, and little ones reading or listening to this exciting story will cheer encouragement along with Tilly Toad and the other delightful forest creatures."

- Barbara Florio Graham, Simon Teakettle Ink,
Columnist for Canadian Writers Journal.

"Sylvia's stories are modern Aesop Tales. Using humour and a sense of fun in her characterisations, she portrays different human frailties through the adventures of the animals and then shows how we can accept that everyone, including ourselves, has unique and special abilities."

- Lorraine Hladik, Public Services Librarian,
Okanagan Regional Library.

"Finding the perfect book is not an easy assignment. The words must be simple, the story entertaining, and if the book is illustrated, the pictures must depict the activities in the book, if the child's interest is going to be held…

Recently a small book was added to the library's collection that perfectly meets all the above requirements. "How Do Crocodiles Fly?" was written by Stittsville author Sylvia H. Vincent, and delightfully illustrated by her daughter, Heidi Vincent. I "test-drove" this book with a four year old and her response was immediate and gratifying. Kelly and her friends will be added to her personal book shelf.

"How Do Crocodiles Fly?" was awarded first place in the Canadian Authors Association competition and is a lovely story of Kelly Crocodile's attempt to learn to fly. Young children absorb the message of respecting individuality and recognizing each person, or Crocodile's special gifts. My young helper particularly liked helpful Tilly Toad and loved to discover and identify the peeping raccoons and other forest creatures in the illustrations.

This book certainly isn't the only book on our shelves that will be loved by beginning readers, but it will definitely become a real favourite."

- Pat Jones, Goulbourn Public Library.