Perfect for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site and Crocodiles Need Kisses Too, EXCA-GATOR! tells the story of an overenthusiastic excavator-driving alligator and his swamp crew pals. After Exca-Gator makes a big old construction site mess, it’s up to him and his friends to work together to save the day.
A bit more about the book:
- Real-life inspiration: The author was inspired to write Exca-Gator when her daughter was a toddler and struggled to say the word "excavator," instead saying "excagator," and thus our main character was born.
- Bouncing rhyme: Brooke Hartman has brought perfect rhythmic bouncing rhyme to this project, a master class in making the perfect rhyming meter.
- Perfect for the classroom: With a powerful lesson in accountability and asking when it's appropriate to help, this book isn't just a funny book about an alligator with an excavator, it's also a powerful learning tool that can have a home in any nursery or classroom.---from the publisher
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Penguin Young Readers is proud to publish EXCA-GATOR! (Flamingo Books; on sale February 17, 2026; ages 3-7), an adorable rhyming picture book about an over-enthusiastic, construction loving alligator who discovers that the best things are built when everyone shares the fun and work together. With a powerful lesson in accountability and asking when it's appropriate to help, this book isn't just a funny book about an alligator with an excavator, it's also a powerful learning tool that can have a home in any nursery or classroom, perfect for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site and Crocodiles Need Kisses Too!
Exca-Gator is so excited for a new day of building and constructing with all of his buds! He may be even a little too excited, when he overestimates his abilities and causes a big old construction site mess. Can Exca-Gator make things right with his friends and save the day?
Author Brooke Hartman was inspired to write Exca-Gator when her daughter was a toddler and struggled to say the word "excavator," instead saying "excagator," and thus our main character was born. Told in rhythmic bouncing rhyme from Brooke Hartman, this book is a can't-miss pick for any young readers who love books about construction vehicles and adorable animals.
The book is also packed with gorgeous and colorful art by picture book veteran Michael Slack, not to mention construction vehicles galore and classic picture book hooks that will teach readers the importance of teamwork.---from the publisher
40 pages 9780593693339 Ages 3-6
Keywords: construction vehicles, animals, teamwork, rhyme, fun, 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old
