Introducing the Book
Show the children the book and ask: What do you think this book will be about? Do you think it will be a fact book, or fiction? Why do you think so?

There should be a lot of predictions from children. Write their predictions on the board and see if they match up later. Explain that predictions cannot be wrong, because they are only guesses. They might not be true, but a prediction is only what could possibly happen. Scientists use prediction all the time, and while they are sometimes not the reality, they are often a good start to understanding ideas.

Have children look at the cover of the book. Ask: Have you ever seen a crocodilian? Did you know if it was a crocodile or an alligator? Did you see it in the wild or in a zoo?

Building Background
Start a discussion with children about crocodilians. Ask: When did you see a crocodilian? If you haven't seen a live one, have you seen one on TV?

Have a loose discussion about crocodiles and alligators. Children should feel free to comment on their experiences with the creatures. This will help them make connections as they read the text.

Book Walk
Go through the book and have children look at each image. Encourage them to comment on the images. Ask them what is going on in each image. Have them read the headings on the pages. Have them predict what will be contained in each section. Write their predictions on the board. Remind children that predictions cannot be wrong.

Reading Strategies
Discuss any reading strategies children can use to help them read.

• How will the pictures help you read the words?
• What can you do when you come to a word you cannot read?
• What can you do if you don't understand a part you have just read?

Think Aloud Strategy - Read page 6. Have children look at the second sentence. Ask: What does this sentence mean? Use synonyms to describe the words fascinated and hulking.