American crocodiles are larger but fewer in number than their cousins the alligators. While doing research in the Everglades—which involved canoeing, hiking, and snorkeling in crocodile country—Jim Arnosky and his wife Deanna set out to find out all they could about these shy, prehistoric-looking creatures while also tallying their count. Beginning with the history of these great beasts, who lived alongside dinosaurs and until recently were endangered animals in the United States, Arnosky also identifies the characteristics of crocodiles and how they differ from alligators. The majority of the book features safari journal entries noting the time, weather, and tide for each crocodile spotting. Lush illustrations capture the nature of the Everglades, and the beauty and ferocity of these ancient amphibians. A DVD included with the book features the author drawing and singing about crocodiles. (Ages 5–9)

Jim Arnosky shares his adventures seeking and finding the elusive, once endangered North American crocodile. From the author's green canoe, young readers will travel on an exciting water safari and learn amazing facts about crocodiles, their habitat, and their behavior. And they will also discover how this threatened animal is being successfully protected. Maps showing the North American crocodile range are included.

A bonus DVD will show footage of how the author did his research along the briny lower Atlantic coastlines. It will also show him sketching, photographing, and creating his paintings for the book. And kids will have the master himself to teach them how to draw crocodiles! Also included in the amazing footage of incidents not recorded in the book is a toothless 80 year-old-crocodile whose jaws are so strong, he can eat without teeth!