This post is sponsored by Cindy Miller and hosted by The Children’s Book Review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is written voluntarily. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Alli the Alligator by Cindy Miller Illustrator: Joan Coleman
Published by BookLogix on May 12, 2026
ISBN: 9781665310697
Genres: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 32
Format: Paperback
Source: TCBR
Buy on Bookshop
Publisher's Book Summary: What happens when being different makes you feel like you don't belong? Alli Gator loves swimming and playing along the banks of the Rumbly River with her family. When she discovers children nearby, she dreams of going to school just like they do. But being the only alligator in a classroom full of children isn't easy. On her first day at Swamp Elementary, the other students stare, whisper, and laugh. Just when Alli begins to lose confidence, an unexpected moment reveals her bravery and kindness—and shows everyone that differences can be a gift.
Themes: Kindness and empathy • Bullying and inclusion • Friendship and forgiveness • Confidence and courage • Celebrating differences
My Thoughts
Reading Alli the Alligator reminded me of conversations I had as an assistant preschool teacher. More than once, I had a child who wanted to invite only a few classmates to a birthday party because someone had hurt their feelings.
When that happened, I would ask a simple question:
“How would you feel if someone invited everyone except you?”
That question usually changed the conversation. Alli the Alligator explores that same idea through the eyes of a young alligator who wants nothing more than to attend school and make friends. Instead of being welcomed, Alli is laughed at and excluded because she looks different from the other children.
It’s a situation many children will recognize. Whether it’s a new school, a different background, or simply feeling like they don’t fit in, most of us have experienced a moment when we felt left out.
What I appreciated most about Alli’s story is that she chooses kindness before anyone apologizes.
When two of the very children who mocked her find themselves in danger, Alli doesn’t stop to ask whether they deserve her help. She simply does what is right. That decision becomes the turning point of the story and delivers one of its strongest messages:
Being hurt doesn’t give us permission to stop being kind.
What I Liked
- Alli is an easy character to root for. Young readers will relate to her excitement, disappointment, and determination.
- Papa Gator provides gentle guidance without taking over the story.
- The faith element feels natural and flows from the characters rather than interrupting the narrative.
- The illustrations clearly communicate the emotions of the story and help younger readers follow Alli’s journey.
- The book creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about kindness, inclusion, forgiveness, and empathy.
What Gave Me Pause
The resolution happens fairly quickly once Alli rescues the children. However, this is common in picture books and gives parents and teachers an opportunity to discuss why kindness matters even before someone changes their behavior.
Key Takeaways
- Being different is not a weakness.
- Kindness is a choice.
- Forgiveness requires courage.
- Character is revealed by how we treat others when they haven’t treated us well.
- God created each of us with purpose and value.
My Recommendation
Having spent years working with three-, four-, and five-year-olds, I’ve learned that some of the best children’s books aren’t necessarily the flashiest. They’re the ones that help children think differently about their choices.
One of the questions I often ask when evaluating a children’s book is:
“Would this help a child make a better choice?” Alli the Alligator passes that test.
This book would make an excellent addition to home libraries, classrooms, church libraries, and Sunday school collections. Parents and teachers will find plenty of discussion opportunities tucked between its colorful pages. If you enjoyed Lolly the Left Out Lobster or The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve (Review), you may enjoy Alli the Alligator.
About Cindy Miller
Cindy Miller is a first-time children's book author from Columbus, Georgia. A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Cindy has long been passionate about the social and emotional well-being of both children and senior adults. With Alli the Alligator, she brings that passion to the page in a heartwarming story about courage, kindness, and finding where you belong.
Giveaway
Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Alli the Alligator by Cindy Miller—a heartwarming story about courage, kindness, and belonging to add to their bookshelf.
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