cover image Happy Birthday, Mr. Croc!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Croc!

Jo Lodge. Hodder (IPG/Trafalgar Sq., dist.), $11.99 (14p) ISBN 978-1-4449-1785-7

Back for another pop-up book, Lodge’s cheerful green crocodile is having a birthday party, and a variety of flaps, tabs, and pop-ups let readers get in on the fun. Reprising the question-and-answer format of the previous books, an unseen narrator checks in on Mr. Croc throughout the party (“Mr. Croc, have they brought presents?”). “Yes! Fun presents for me!” Mr. Croc responds; pulling a tab reveals the contents of the wrapped box Mr. Croc holds, which turns out to contain a toy robot. An in-your-face palette and Lodge’s punchy cartooning provide a light, upbeat overview of a birthday party, from invitations to games and cake. Up to age 5. (May)