Diary of Raising a Crocodile

A crocodile in the classroom?

Perhaps your class pet is a bit less exotic; but, in Costa Rica, some school children have the opportunity to raise baby crocs for a brief time during a unique headstart program.

Reptile expert and television personality Dr. Brady Barr and author Jennifer Keats Curtis introduce children to this fascinating topic with their new picture book After A While Crocodile: Alexa’s Diary.

The journal-style story is written from the perspective of Alexa, a Costa Rican girl participating in the program. She journals the growth of her croc, Jefe, and along the way, learns a lot about these reptiles, and why it is important to help conserve them. Vivid photos, including a student with a young reptile, are combined with watercolor illustrations by Susan Detwiler, to help young readers grasp the concept that this is a realistic fiction about a real program.

For over 20 years, Barr has traveled to more than 80 countries for National Geographic Television to host over 100 wildlife documentaries. He was the first person to ever capture and study all 24 species of crocodilians in the wild and served with other scientists to create the crocodile headstart program in Costa Rica. Barr is the star of the educational XBOX game Dangerous Encounters, a collaboration with Microsoft, and is the author of several other books for children.

Although Mrs. Curtis hasn’t combed through swamps in search of croc eggs yet, she does share her love of animals through many award-winning books and as a guest speaker in schools. This partnership allows Barr and Curtis to help children understand more about crocodiles and their critical need for conservation.

After A While Crocodile is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and Spanish editions and will be available for sale and book signing.

On Friday, November 18, from 6:30-8 p.m., join Dr. Barr, Mrs. Curtis, and the real Alexa during a FREE EVENT book launch party at Eco Adventures in Millersville, MD, a special place for animal lovers and home to several species of reptiles, including alligators and crocodiles. We will also have face painting, Green Screen photos with an animal, and food for sale. RSVP is required. Sign up online: www.ecoadventures.org or call 410-987-1300.

The center is the brainchild of marine biologist and Barr’s wife, Mei Len Sanchez-Barr, a Costa Rican native with over 20 years of experience in conservation education. Dr. Brady Barr is available for television and radio morning news/media shows with animals. Please contact Mei Len Sanchez-Barr to inquire.